Czech Republic gets same-sex partnership registrations

According to an article in the Prague Post a law allowing same-sex partnership registration, in the Czech Republic, goes into effect today.

Although Czech President Václav Klaus refused to ratify it, he did not veto it.

Klaus said he opposes the law, which passed in 2006, because he feels it will complicate family law. But he said he will not use his veto powers to return it to Parliament, where it would require a three-fifths majority to pass.

That means he is, de facto, allowing the law.

Foreigners will also be able to register their same-sex partnerships as long as they have residency permits.

Washington House bill extends gay-couple benefits

OLYMPIA — The House on Friday passed a measure to expand the state's domestic-partnership law by granting same-sex couples more than 170 of the benefits and responsibilities given to married couples.

The bill passed 62-32 after very little debate and now goes to the Senate.

The measure adds domestic partners to sections of laws where previously only spouses were mentioned, including areas referring to probate and trusts, community-property and homestead exemptions, and guardianship and powers of attorney.

Rep. Jamie Pedersen, D-Seattle, sponsor of the bill, said the measure is the "next step" to provide financial security for all families in the state.

"Rarely do we have an opportunity in our work here to help so many people without spending a dime," he said.

The measure makes dozens of changes to state law, including requiring domestic partners of public officials to submit financial disclosure forms, just as the spouses of heterosexual officials do.

It also would give domestic partners the same spousal testimony rights that married couples have, allowing domestic partners the right to refuse to testify against each other in court.

Opponents argued that expanding the current law dilutes traditional marriage.

To be registered as partners, couples must share a home, must not be married or in a domestic relationship with someone else, and be at least 18.

In a provision similar to California law, unmarried heterosexual senior couples also would be eligible for domestic partnerships if one partner is at least 62. Lawmakers said that provision was included to help seniors who are at risk of losing pension rights and Social Security benefits if they remarry.

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OREGON FOLLOWUP: Civil Unions on hold

As you are probably aware, a Bush appointed federal judge (Michael Mosman) has halted the January 1st civil unions law in Oregon.

To add insult to injury, the action was brought forth by an out of state group called Arizona's Alliance Defense Fund.

Original article First followup

FOLLOWUP: OREGON: Domestic partners and January 1st

U.S. District Judge Michael Mosman (appointed, not elected, by the Bush administration) has halted the January 1st domestic partnership legislation.

Opponents asked U.S. District Judge Michael Mosman to intercede after the Oregon Secretary of State’s Office ruled in October that they had failed to collect enough valid signatures on a referendum to block the law.

The openly Mormon Judge Mosman was also responsible for the 1986 Supreme Court's faulty decision upholding laws against certain consensual sex acts (i.e. sodomy defined as either oral or anal sex) done by adults in private. Justice Lewis Powell's deciding vote was based on Mosman's faulty legal advice. After retiring, Powell publicly regretted his decision.

Fortunately, Mosman's ruling doesn't affect a companion state law that will take effect on January 1, 2008 that bars discrimination against gays in work, housing and public places. However, the opponents of domestic partnerships also want to legalize discrimination with a ballot initiative.

A couple interesting points-

1. It's interesting this "activist judge" is republican. Especially with all the republican hoopla over "activist judges"!

2. It's also interesting he is stepping up to the plate for a voting issue since he was not voted into office!

This article is a followup. Click here to view the original article.

OREGON: Domestic partners and January 1st

Despite feeble attempts by the "heterosexual christian right taliban", as of January 1st, same sex couples in Oregon will be able to register as legally recognized domestic partners.

Couples can file forms with county clerks starting January 2nd.

Forms and information will be available on the Internet, starting on New Year's Day.

The completed, signed and notarized forms can be registered at any county clerk's office. On a monthly basis, county clerks will send registered Declaration of Domestic Partnership forms to the Department of Human Service's Center for Health Statistics where they will be filed as vital records.

Toledo officials approve registry for gay, unmarried couples

The City Council has approved an ordinance to allow gay or other unmarried couples to register their domestic partnerships as proof of eligibility for benefits such as health care.

Those who sign an affidavit at City Hall would receive a certificate and cards to provide employers as proof of an unmarried but committed relationship.

Supporters say the ordinance, which passed on a 10-2 vote Tuesday, does not violate Ohio's constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage. It is modeled after the only other one in the state, which voters in Cleveland Heights approved in 2003.

The registry also could provide a basis for people to visit domestic partners in the hospital and pick up children at schools, supporters said, noting that the city has a domestic partnership registry for police officers and firefighters who have negotiated benefits in their collective bargaining agreements.

Councilmen Rob Ludeman said he voted to reject the ordinance because of the cost to employers and because he saw it as "one more attempt to tear down the institution of marriage between a man and a woman."