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Colorado House Judiciary Committee Stops Civil Union Bill From Advancing

03/31/11-by Bridgette P. LaVictoire
Welcome to the Theocratic States of America. Today, the House Judiciary Committee in Colorado voted to stop all progress on the Colorado Civil Union Act, which would have provided committed lesbian and gay couples the same legal protections such as the inheritance of property, family leave rights, hospital visitation rights, and medical and end of life decisions for a partner. The bill has the support of 72% of Coloradans, but does not have the support of the hate groups such as the Family Research Council and the American Family Association, which are vital to the Republican Party’s base.

Brad Clark, the executive director of One Colorado stated “Today’s vote was out of touch with everyday Colorado voters. With 72% of Coloradans in support of civil unions, House Republicans are out of the mainstream. Once again, they have turned their backs on Colorado families and kids.”

He went on to say:

“In the past two months, there have been more than 18,000 emails, calls, and postcards to legislators in support of this measure. A coalition of nearly one million Coloradans support this measure. And poll after poll reinforces that Colorado voters support this measure by a wide margin – Democrats and Republicans alike. Today, Republicans were out-of-touch with Colorado voters.”

From the Press Release:

The Old Supreme Court Chambers, where today’s House Judiciary Committee hearing was held, was filled with bill supporters, several of whom offered compelling testimony.

“For Lisa and me, our present and future is about sharing love, promise, and commitment to one another and to our family. Our ability to take care of and to fully take responsibility for our family is jeopardized because our committed relationship goes unrecognized by the state of Colorado,” said Shawna Kemppainen, a supporter from Colorado Springs whose partner, Lisa Green, suffers from Multiple Sclerosis.

…

“Senate Bill 172 deserves to be heard in a fair and open discussion by the full Colorado House of Representatives. We join you in urging the House Judiciary Committee to send the bill to their colleagues for a full House vote,” wrote Governor John Hickenlooper. “We look forward to the day when all Coloradans, regardless of sexual orientation, are afforded the same legal rights as their neighbors, their co-workers, their friends, and their family members.”

The coalition advocating for civil unions includes more than 100 organizations representing nearly 1 million Coloradans. Additionally, more than 160 faith leaders have endorsed the bill. This broad base of support illustrates that civil unions are an important issue not just for gay and lesbian organizations but for communities and leaders of faith, civil rights groups, business leaders, labor organizations, women’s rights groups, and public health organizations.

“This is not the end. We are looking at all options moving forward. We are not turning our backs on Colorado families and kids. And we will win. Whether it’s today or tomorrow or next year or the next – we will win. Gay and lesbian couples in this state will have the full protection under the law,” said Clark.

It is disheartening, but not surprising. The Republican Party has the support of the theocratic hate groups who wish to deny lesbians and gays their equality.