As long as I'm here, I should mention this: via GayRightsWatch, this press release from Rep. Mary Nolan (D-Portland) indicates that a new bill has been introduced at the very tail end of the legislative session, in an attempt to revive the civil unions bill language passed in the Senate, and to try to force a vote in the House. The prior bill, SB1000, was stripped and then hidden in the Budget committee by Speaker Minnis, in order to prevent a vote.
The new bill combines the SB1000 language with HB3508, the Republican "reciprocal benefits" bill that would have extended a few legal rights of partnerships to both gays and unmarried couples with personal stakes in each other (such as two sisters). The hope is that by including such language, the bill's appeal will be favorably broadened. Stay tuned to GRW and Basic Rights Oregon for action info and updates. Now that the bill is up, giving your rep and Karen Minnis another call/email would be a good idea, too.
--TJ
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