Dozens gather, hoping 'domestic partnerships' law will prevail

By Eric Rucker, KTVZ.COM

It wasn't a candlelight vigil for someone who had recently passed. Instead, thecandles were lit Wednesday night for a law that many feel should have already been born.

More than 100 people, many gay and lesbian but others who are not, gathered in downtown Bend, upset the same-sex domestic partnership has been delayed.

The hope among the gathering is that it is only a delay.

"The ultimate message is that we want the families to get the protection they deserve," said Tammy Tewalt of Basic Rights Oregon.  

Colt Taylor, 19, says he knows all about discrimination. Growing up in Louisiana, Taylor says he faced ridicule all the time.

Now that he lives in Oregon, he says things are better, but doesn't want others to have to deal with what he dealt with.

"It was difficult, it was really difficult," he said. "I mean, there was depression that went along with it, I mean, 'Who am I, really?'"

The law to grant same-sex partnerships was stalled late last week by a U.S. district judge.

The appeal came after the secretary of states office said there weren't enough petition signatures gathered for voters to cast a ballot on the issue.

Happily married to her husband, whose faith doesn't believe in same-sex partnerships, Becky Groves was told by her son a few years back that he was gay.

She says she and her husband embraced his announcement with open arms.

Grovers said her husband "firmly believes (their son) was born gay and firmly supports his right to not be discriminated against."  

For those who lit a candle on this night, it was more about human rights, not just those of the gay and lesbian community.