DHS news release

Dec. 31, 2007

General contact: Ken Palke, 503-947-5286

Program contact: Jennifer Woodward, 971-673-1185

DHS holds forms after court blocks domestic partnership law

Based on a federal court ruling blocking Oregon’s domestic partnership law from taking effect Jan. 1, the Oregon Department of Human Services (DHS) will not make declaration of domestic partnership forms available to the public via e-mail, mail or on its Web site.

Until DHS hears further from the court, domestic partnerships cannot be registered. If a domestic partnership form is completed and signed prior to the law being effective, there may be legal questions about its validity. 

The state registrar has advised county clerks not to release the forms unless and until the court lifts the injunction.

On Dec. 28, a federal district court judge blocked H.B. 2007, the domestic partnership law, from taking effect Jan. 1, 2008.  Another hearing on the matter is scheduled for Feb. 1.

DHS made the decision not to issue the forms after discussions with the Oregon Department of Justice.