Colorado House Give Initial Approval To Civil Unions Bill

Jim Burroway

March 11th, 2013

The Colorado House of Representatives gave its initial approval to a procedural motion via a voice vote today for Senate Bill 11, which will allow same-sex couples in the state to enter into Civil Unions. The voice vote occurred after an apparently acrimonious debate in which House Republicans tried to add an amendment which would turn the question over to voters. House Speaker Mark Ferrandino, who is openly gay, rejected that proposal, saying, “I don’t ask to put your relationships up to a vote of the people.”

Another proposed amendment would have extended broad “religious liberties” exemptions (particularly for adoption agencies). The failure of that amendment was particularly ironic because that very provision was part of a previous bill which Republican lawmakers dramatically killed in last year’s regular session, and again during a special session two weeks later, when they still controlled the House with a 33-32 edge. This year, the House is solidly in Democratic hands, with a 37-28 margin, including five openly gay House members.

A formal vote will take place tomorrow, where it is expected to pass easily. The Senate already approved the measure last month. Gov. John Hickenlooper is expected to sign the bill when it reaches his desk. it would go into effect May 1.

Timothy Kincaid

March 12th, 2013

Grandstanding idiots.

Republican House leadership killed the bill last session after the election when they know that it would pass just a few months later. Doing so, they lost the chance to shape in ways beneficial to their constituents and the right to complain about it now.

Matt

March 12th, 2013

The bill passed today, 39-26, and is awaiting Gov. Hickenlooper’s signature.

Jaime

March 12th, 2013

Timothy,
What changes would be beneficial?

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