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/
I will speak in the name of Buddha, who believes in love and compassion for all of the worlds beings. The only cure for hate is love.. hate never solved hate...
ReplyDeletePeace is in the heart of loving and open minded soul
What I don't understand is what happened to the separation of Church and State. "Jesus" should never have been brought up at all. This isn't about Jesus. It's about equality and that has nothing to do with religion. It has to do with humanity. And, having been raised in Church, I know that Jesus was humane.
ReplyDeleteI can't believe it got sent to another committee...how ridiculous, it was SO close!! So are they going to reintroduce the bill later?
ReplyDeleteIt really does come down to getting Republicans out of office. You can talk until you are blue in the face but if they are in charge, we lose.
ReplyDeleteAnd don't even get me started on gay republicans.