CIVIL UNIONS PUSH IN OREGON: From the Bend Bulletin

...Democratic Gov. Ted Kulongoski said he would sign a civil union bill if it arrived on his desk. And even some Republicans--concerned that a gay-marriage ban prevents some people from obtaining some rights--are warming to the notion of some alternative.

Sen. Ben Westlund, R-Tumalo, who favored Measure 36, is drafting legislation to legalize civil unions. ...

However, any such movement could spark a fierce backlash from the spiritual community that helped mobilize support for Measure 36 and the anti-gay marriage initiatives elsewhere.

"It would be taking us somewhere, and it's a step in a direction we don't need to go," said the Rev. Craig Smart, pastor of Highland Baptist Church in Redmond.

And many gays and lesbians--who for years have sought more equal footing with married couples and cheered the Vermont law in 2000--now seem less excited about the idea of civil unions.

"Having been around the campaign, I have been around a number of people who have expressed their unhappiness with my view of civil unions and were adamant to me that there was no alternative (than marriage)," Kulongoski said.
"And unless there was some sign-off by the organization on a civil union concept, I would be surprised if the Legislature would push one forward," he said.

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posted by Eve at 10:34 PM | link

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