Oregon Public Broadcasting

A federal judge has allowed Oregon’s new domestic partnership law take effect Friday. Kristian Foden-Vencil reports.

The law, passed by the legislature, was meant to take effect in January. But Judge Michael Mosman put it on hold after activists complained that their efforts to overturn it with a ballot measure, had been sabotaged by the state.

In his ruling, the judge now says he’s troubled by some aspects of Oregon’s petition verification process, but not enough to block the new law any longer. Jeana Frazzini of Basic Rights Oregon, says she plans to register with her partner.

Jeana Frazzini: “I think it’s incredible news for 100s of caring and committed couples across this state who will be able to avail themselves of this law I believe as early as Monday morning.”

The law gives gay and lesbian couples many of the benefits of marriage, but those benefits don’t continue if they leave the state.