Thursday, August 1, 2002
Eugene, Oregon considering domestic partner registry for couples
A story released today by the Associated Press reports that Eugene, Oregon’s Human Rights Commission held a public hearing Tuesday on a proposal to establish a domestic registry for same-sex couples. A final recommendation is Aug. 29.
The registry would allow same-sex couples, as well as unmarried heterosexual couples, the right to visit a partner in jail and to sue over the wrongful death of a partner or for discrimination. It would also allow them eligibility for family rates at health clubs and other facilities.
The registry is a part of revisions to the city's human rights code, which is scheduled to be voted on this fall.
Other proposals include "reasonable accommodations," such as bathrooms for transsexuals, and allowing those who face discrimination based on gender identity, sexual orientation or income source to file a private lawsuit. At Tuesday's meeting, Karen Lundblad, who came with her partner Lucy McIver, said she supported the proposal, and hoped that someday the city would go one step further and recognize same-sex marriages.
