I want to applaud U.S. District Judge Michael Mosman’s decision validating the Oregon Legislature’s courageous decision to allow domestic partner benefits for same-sex couples.  As a minister in the United Church of Christ, a mainline Christian denomination that supports marriage equality, I look forward to providing the full range of pastoral services – including weddings – that should be available by all.  Domestic partnerships are a step in the right direction.  Gay and lesbian couples should have the same civil rights that my wife and I enjoy as a heterosexual couple.