Petition to block Oregon's domestic partnership law fails; gay couples can apply starting Jan. 1
BRAD CAIN Associated Press Writer
Monday, Oct. 8, 2007

(AP) - SALEM, Oregon-Opponents of Oregon's new same-sex domestic partnership law failed to turn in enough valid signatures to block the measure, clearing the way for it to take effect next year, state elections officials said.

Oregon will join eight other U.S. states that have approved spousal rights in some form for gay couples - Connecticut, Vermont, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Maine, California, Washington and Hawaii. Massachusetts is the only state that allows gay couples to marry.

The Oregon measure covers benefits related to inheritance rights, child-rearing and custody, joint state tax filings, joint health, auto and homeowners insurance policies, visitation rights at hospitals and others. It does not affect federal benefits for married couples, including Social Security and joint filing of federal tax returns. the rest