Still no civil unions in Colorado

Some of this post might be repetition of the previous civil unions post. After being at the Colorado capitol last night for the committee vote, I felt that I should update our readers about the process.

The governor called a special session and civil unions was one of several bills to be heard during this session. Even though the bill had passed through three other committees, the Republican Speaker of the House sent it to yet another committee, apparently to be killed.

After one hour of pro testimony and one hour of anti testimony, Rep Mark Ferrandino gave a passionate plea to pass this so the whole house could vote. By the way, it would have passed if it had reached the whole house.

Listening to an hour of anti-gay banter was not easy. Every person opposed to the bill spoke in the name of Jesus. One even said that if Rep Ferrandino married a woman (he is in a relationship with his male partner), that he could also have the same benefits as straight, married couples. Another thing I heard quoted from "a study" is that men who are married to women work harder. I chuckled at this.

The vote was 5-4 killing the bill. Even a Republican house member who said he has a gay son voted no. So it happened just as the republican leadership had planned it to happen.

I realize that not all of our blog readers care about this, and I truly have appreciated the support around our fight with civil unions. I want everyone who reads our blog to know that this can be a huge lesson learned for ALL activists, whether your main fight is for veganism, animal rights, human rights, the environment, homelessness, etc., everyone should have a personal relationship with the man or woman who represents them in their state house.

We all must use our voice.

If you would like to know who represents you in your state house, this website can tell you: http://votesmart.org/

Using our voice can make a HUGE difference.

Today is a new day and the anger that hit nerves for me yesterday while listening to the anti-gay banter has invigorated me (not that I really needed that) to work harder so that Democrats win the state house in November. We only need one seat. Then civil unions can get a fair hearing. The Republican leadership proved that will not happen on their watch.

Thanks for reading. If you are in the position to donate a few bucks to a group that really rocked it in Colorado for civil unions, go here: http://www.one-colorado.org/

No civil unions in Colorado

I am writing today heartbroken with what I witnessed at the Colorado capitol last night as the civil unions bill died because the leadership in our state house would not bring it to the floor for a vote.

I write today even more reminded that I am a second-class citizen.

I write today in firm knowledge that the social conservatives in Colorado have a power that wreaks of inequality, bigotry, and injustice.

If you follow us on Facebook or twitter you got a lot of information last night. I tried to pass along information as I got it, or as I understood it. I was very fortunate to have been invited on the house floor by my state rep Sue Schafer and equally grateful to my upcoming state rep Max Tyler (because of district changes) for keeping me posted on how he felt things were going.

This civil unions bill was not perfect. It was not full marriage equality. That will only come when the Defense of Marriage Act is overturned on a federal level, and even then it will mean a lot of work. Yet it was a step. And if it had been allowed a vote on the house floor, it would of passed. At least six republican reps said they would vote yes.

I must admit that it was hopeful to see people in the gallery area shouting "shame on you" to Republican lawmakers when it was clear that no vote would be allowed. A mostly passive community might ignite. I certainly hope so.

For those who want what happened with civil unions to ignite action a couple of things need to happen:

People have got to know who represents them at the state level and get to know them. Make sure they know you are for equality. Both in the state house and state senate. If you don't know you can go to http://votesmart.org/

If you live in a state house district where the Democrat is in a safe seat, volunteer for and donate to a campaign in a district that is a challenge. I am thinking more of Colorado with this idea as I believe the only way the house will vote on this is if the leadership is Democratic.

It is vital that we gay and lesbian folks constantly remind our friends, family, and co-workers that we are second-class citizens. I spoke with several people over the past week who were shocked that Mike and I did not have the same rights as they did with their spouse.

Donate to One Colorado http://www.one-colorado.org/ They are definitely our voice at the state capitol and I watched their staff ROCK IT. Even a small donation goes  along way.

Today is the last day for our state legislature in Colorado. They will not reconvene until January of next year unless a special session is called (which I have no idea will happen or not).

Thanks for reading. And thank you for your support!

Another meatless Monday

Are Meatless Monday's becoming all the rage?

I think so!

Everywhere people are writing about it, posting about it, blogging about, and mentioning it in conversation. The premise is easy: don't eat meat on Monday. Once you see how easy it was then don't eat meat on the next Monday. And so on.

Easy indeed.

Breakfast, if you eat breakfast, is probably the easiest. Cereal and toast. Or a smoothie. Or pancakes! If you want to be a little creative and don't need to rush, do a tasty tofu scramble with hash browns and toast. There are hundreds of recipes online for scrambled tofu!

Lunch is just as easy. Within one block of my office there is a Mexican restaurant where I can get a bean and rice and veggie burrito; a Mediterranean place where I can get hummus and veggies; and a Whole Foods market where my choices are endless. I can also bring a couple of sandwiches like peanut butter and jelly or a mock-meat (like Tofurky slices) sandwich.

Dinner. If I want to stay home Mike and I can think of many scrumptious meals. Some take longer than others. A simple stir fry is always easy and with kale, spinach, Swiss chard or even beets added to it the meal is pretty healthy. Top that onto pasta or rice. Add a salad if you wish. And if we want to dine out we can go to a local Asian cafe or Indian restaurant have a ton of choices.

It really is easy. And best of all, your choice to not eat meat for one day has health, environmental, and animal welfare consequences, all good ones!

Try it. Invite friends to join you! Let us know how it went.

For more support, check out any of the groups and vegan food bloggers we have linked here. Lots of great information and ideas.

Thank you for reading!

When do I get to vote on your marriage?

This afternoon at 1:30pm at the Colorado state capitol the House Judiciary Committee will vote as to whether or not the current civil unions bill will be allowed to go to a vote from the entire state house, a vote that would most likely ensure a victory for those who support civil unions for gay folks.

Last year the committee voted down the measure so it never had a chance to be voted on by all House members. All Republicans on the committee voted no and all the Democrats on the committee voted yes.

Perhaps the same thing will happen this year even though many Republicans around the state have come out in support of civil unions.

Mike and I are married and aren't really interested in a civil union. Since our marriage is constitutionally banned in the state of Colorado this is totally a step in the right direction. But only a step.

The comments around gay marriage, marriage equality, and civil unions are pretty similar, especially in the silliness category. Of course if this didn't affect my marriage I would most likely feel the silliness rather than the outrage I feel. Examples are:

Save marriage. I love this one. From whom? Gay folk? Seriously? Why not ban hetero divorce?

Why spend so much time on this and not on helping animals? I love this one. Typically the activist is married. As if I can't do both!

I can't think of two men having sex. Then don't. And don't mess with our rights.

You are an abomination and you need to seek Jesus. This could be a blog topic for weeks. I disagree with this and definitely believe that Jesus loves gay people. And to be clear, that Jesus loves gay people who have sex.

You are a faggot. I love this one too. When one does not have a clue what else to say or any idea why I shouldn't have equal rights in marriage, this is always a great way to show their dissatisfaction.

You weren't born that way; it's unnatural. Lady Gaga says I was, and I also believe that. Plus, when did you decide you were straight?

And so on.

I'll be paying attention to what happens today. And next Tuesday when people in North Carolina vote to add a gay marriage ban to their state's constitution. I'm sure there will be more to come.

Thanks for reading. If you believe in marriage equality please let your elected folks know.