civil unions
The Colorado Civil Union Act, civil unions and relationship recognition in Colorado and the U.S.
Now Colorado’s ‘pro-family’ organizations, once for ‘the children,’ are now standing up for a different group – cake bakers.
Its the beginning of the end for the Colorado Civil Union Act. A judiciary committee will hear testimony on the bill that is expected to be signed into law by early spring and take effect May 1.
Mark Ferrandino became the first openly gay man to serve as Colorado’s Speaker of the House. He’s joined by seven other out gay and lesbian lawmakers at the Colorado General Assembly.
Steadman and out lesbian state Sen. Lucia Guzman, D-Denver, will introduce the bill in the Senate on Jan. 9, the first day of the regular session. Ferrandino and out lesbian state Rep. Sue Schafer, D-Wheat Ridge, will carry the bill in the House.
Beyond a historic election that effectively guarantees civil union legislation becoming law in 2013, this year will be remembered for advancements in protections for trans people, gay and lesbian employees in Pueblo, a continued legacy for multiple LGBT organizations and a new chapter for this very publication you hold in your hands.
Whether it’s destiny or poetic justice, Ferrandino will replace Highlands Ranch Republican Frank McNulty, who became the public face of opposition to state relationship recognition for same-sex couples, after Democrats took back control of the state House by nine seats after the 2012 election.
The story so far: A Colorado municipality has extended a sliver of equality to the gay and lesbian community and an outraged citizen has decided to have it overturned by a vote of the people.
Three outside groups are working to ensure the political party that supports their position on the Colorado Civil Union Act is in power at the Colorado General Assembly after the November election. So far, the three committees have raised more than $300,000.
This November, Coloradans will play a critical role in which way direction our nation progresses – or as we see it, possibly regresses.
Colorado voters will play a decisive role in relationship recognition rights when they decide who will represent them at the state Capitol. On the same ballot, Coloradans will choose between President Barack Obama who says he still has work to do, and his Republican challenger Gov. Mitt Romney who thinks Obama’s wasted four years.
