Colorado Senate Advances Civil Unions Bill By 23-12 Vote; Three Republicans Join Democrats In Support Including Jean White; SB172 Now Heads To House Where Success Is Uncertain

The Denver Post reports that Senate Bill 172 passed by a vote of 23-12, and now heads to the House, where its success is uncertain. As expected, three Republicans — Jean White of Hayden, Nancy Spence of Centennial and Ellen Roberts of Durango — joined Democrats in voting for the measure. Senate President Brandon Shaffer (Democrat-Longmont) thanked senators for their debate over the last two days, saying “Whether you agreed with the bill or not, it was actually the way it was supposed to be done. You did this chamber proud. You did the people of Colorado proud and I want to say thank you.” Republicans Bill Cadman of Colorado Springs, Scott Renfroe of Greeley and Kevin Lundberg of Berthoud spoke against the bill, but praised the sponsor, Democrat Pat Steadman of Denver, who is gay. Renfroe pointed out that some of the hateful remarks about the debate come from both sides of the issue. Jean White’s speech left a number of lawmakers in tears, saying she was inspired to support the measure by Senator Linda Newell (Democrat-Littleton), who yesterday talked about her brother, Bill, who “lived in the shadows” and did not come out until after he was 50. White said the easy thing to do would have been to stay in the shadows, vote for the bill but not say anything. But she said she has a niece and a nephew “whom I have loved since they were born” who are gay. Representative Mark Ferrandino (Democrat-Denver) who is the House sponsor of SB 172 and who also gay said her speech left him in tears, and came to the Senate chambers to embrace White, and thank her for the support. Republicans control the House and although Ferrandino said he has the votes should it come to the floor, the question is whether it will be sent to a “kill” committee. Senate Bill 172 allows unmarried adults, regardless of gender, to apply to a county clerk for a civil-union license. The legal benefits, protections, and responsibilities granted under the law to spouses would apply to parties in civil unions, including the ability to file a claim based on wrongful death, eligibility for family-leave benefits, spousal privilege and the responsibility for decisions relating to medical care and treatment.