Kulongoski signs gay and lesbian equal rights bills

Calling it a “truly historic day” for Oregon, Gov. Ted Kulongoski on Wednesday signed bills to give gays and lesbians most of the benefits of marriage under state law and to outlaw discrimination based on sexual orientation.

With several hundred gay rights supporters looking on, Kulongoski signed measures stymied for more than 30 years in the Legislature but recently approved by the House and Senate.

Kulongoski, a strong backer of both measures, said they would “transform our state from one of exclusion to one of complete inclusion.”

However, Oregon voters might have the final say on the measures. That’s because opponents of the two bills said Wednesday they planned to file papers with the state next week to launch a signature-gathering campaign to try to refer both measures to the November 2008 ballot.

There were cheers, tears of joy and speeches aplenty as Kulongoski put his signature on the two measures during a ceremony on the Capitol steps.

One measure will enable same-sex couples to enter into contractual relationships with many of the benefits offered to married couples. It calls the relationships “domestic partnerships.”

The other will ban discrimination against gays, lesbians, bisexuals and transgendered people in employment, housing and access to public accommodations. Both are effective Jan. 1.

Oregon joins Vermont, Connecticut, California, New Jersey, Maine and Washington state in offering civil unions or domestic partnerships to same-sex couples.

Massachusetts allows gay couples to marry. The New Hampshire Legislature recently approved a civil unions measure expected to be signed soon. Hawaii extends certain spousal rights to same-sex couples, along with cohabiting heterosexual pairs.

Oregon now is one of 18 states with laws banning discrimination based on sexual orientation.

After Wednesday’s bill signing, former state Sen. Marylin Shannon said she and other social conservatives are prepared to mount a campaign to put the two issues before voters.

Shannon said she believes the domestic partners bill, in particular, violates the intent of Oregon voters who in 2004 adopted a constitutional ban on gay marriage.

“This Legislature is just disregarding the will of the people,” the Brooks Republican said.

Opponents of the two bills would have to collect at least 55,000 valid petition signatures for each measure to refer them to the November 2008 ballot. They would have to collect those signatures within 90 days after the Legislature’s adjournment, scheduled for June 29.

A spokesman for Oregon’s leading gay rights group, Basic Rights Oregon, said he believes Oregon voters would uphold both of the new laws if opponents managed to refer them to the statewide ballot.

“Together, these two bills seek to ensure fundamental fairness for all Oregonians and their families,” spokesman Bryan Boyd said.