PlanetOut newsBrad Cain, AP
The measure won unanimous endorsement from the Senate's majority Democrats, with two Republicans joining them.
When Kulongoski signs the measure, Oregon will join Vermont, Connecticut, California, New Jersey, Maine and Washington state in offering civil unions or domestic partnerships to same-sex couples.
Bills ban discrimination based on sexual orientation, legalize domestic partnerships
VanguardSteve Haske
Although a domestic partnership does not grant some of the benefits of marriage, such as tax breaks, it does allow a couple hospital visitation rights, power of attorney and the authority to make medical decisions in the event of an accident.
