After nearly eight hours of public debate on Thursday, the House Judiciary Committee voted to postpone the civil unions bill (SB11-172) indefinitely on a party line vote.
We did not hear any reasons other than the preservation of marriage, that the lack of marriage is killing America, the baby Jesus will cry if we recognize same-sex couples (or that God will smote us), and that voters have already spoken on this issue. Far enough to the latter reason. Odd that the committee voted 9-2 to defeat a motion by (iirc) Rep. Ryden to refer the measure instead of just enacting it. Not a single Republican voted for it, even though Waller used the excuse during the final comments.
We heard about how small government demands equality. We even heard about how civil unions are good for business, thanks to CH2M Hill. All to no avail.
So the Republicans on the committee are either hypocrites or cowards. I suppose it could be both.
I wanted to publicly thank the main sponsors, Steadman and Ferrandino, and especially the members of both chambers who shared intimate stories and lent their passion to this important issue.
Rep. Levy may have a trick up her sleeve and may be bringing something to the floor. The meeting was adjourned before she was able to do so in committee. I wish her luck.
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I want to see them explain to him or her why his or her parents’ sexuality means he or she deserves to be left without child support if the parents split up. Or why his or her parents deserve not to see each other or make decisions for each other in the ICU.
Sigh. I hope there’s still a trick up someone’s sleeve. I really thought this one would make it through at the last minute. The gate is wide open for a Republican hero to abandon social issues conservatism and genuinely support a small government agenda, create jobs, and protect civil liberties. Coloradoans will love those values long after the Tea Party flash has left the pan.
Will such a creature step forward? Is there a Republican who has the courage to withstand the harpies of hate and greed that have turned the Republican party into some blinded animal searching for its’ bearing? I haven’t seen one.
As I have said before…one only has to observe the behavior of the Speaker to see clearly that his status in my mind as a “harpy” is well deserved. Honor is not a principle I associate with Frank McNulty.
It was obvious when he referred the bill to that committee his intent was to kill it, and that is exactly what he did.
My heart goes out to Senator Steadman, Rep. Ferrandino, and all of the thousands of Coloradans who work everyday for justice and equality. Justice will triumph over ignorance and hate — do not give up. Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. had bricks thrown through his window. Cesar Chavez was not taken seriously as a leader. Abraham Lincoln lost many elections before winning his first one. History is filled with leaders who had all odds stacked against them, and eventually they triumphed.
WE WILL NEVER GIVE UP. NEVER. EVER. WE WILL WIN THIS WAR.
The bill belonged in that committee. Where would you have put it? Ag? Transportation? Don’t blame the committee assignment, blame the 2010 election that gave the ‘Pubs a 1-vote majority in the House.
The bill’s sponsors said a while ago that the bill belonged in House Judiciary, which is where it was heard in the Senate. Blaming McNulty for assigning it there — and losing all respect for the man in the process — is absurd.
Sorry I don’t know the answer, but if it’s McNulty, he owns this as much as any R who cast a vote.