结不结婚都一样？

A domestic partnership law that was scheduled to take effect today in Washington State remains on hold. It lets people who are registered partners but not legally married receive benefits that married couples have, such as rights to adoption, inheritance pensions and other obligations. Both gay and straight couples will be able to take advantage of the law. Opponents say this undermines traditional marriage. They have collected tens of thousands of signatures to force the matter to a statewide vote. Supporters say even if the issue does go to a vote, they're confident that Washington State voters will uphold it.

Thousands of people around the world have gathered this weekend to protest the Iranian government's repression of political dissidents. Human rights group, such as Amnesty International, has called for protests in 80 cities from the United States to Europe, and some small demonstrations in Asian countries.

词汇

remain on hold: 仍然被搁置

take advantage of: 利用,享有

undermine: 损害,消弱

uphold: 维护, 支持(决定等)
uphold a verdict, policy, principle 支持某项裁决,政策,原则

repression: 抑制,压制;镇压;制止
They wanted to fight all forms of injustice and repression.
他们要与各种形式的不公正和压制行为作斗争。

dissident: 持不同政见者