Governor signs gay rights bills into law

Ross William Hamilton/The Oregonian

Gov. Ted Kulongoski is joined by former Gov. Barbara Roberts, and next to her is real estate broker Terry Bean and members of the House and Senate this morning on the west steps of the Capitol for the signing into law of Senate Bill 2 and House Bill 2007, which prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and which establish legal recognition of same-sex relationships.

SALEM -- Noting that it capped more than 30 years of work, Gov. Ted Kulongoski signed legislation into law this morning that will recognize same-sex unions as domestic partnerships and ban discrimination against gays and lesbians.

Kulongoski called Senate Bill 2 and House Bill 2007 "bills that are actually transformational," and he said they declare that "Oregon is a land of equal opportunity for all our citizens." Both bills will take effect Jan. 1.

More than 100 people watched and applauded as the governor signed the bills on the west steps of the Capitol, including former governor Barbara Roberts, many legislators and dozens of gay rights activists.