In Colorado, the state House passed a civil-unions bill, according to the Washington Post. Applause erupted as the bill won final passage March 12 on a 39-26 House vote, with two Republicans joining all Democrats to approve it. Democratic Gov. John Hickenlooper has said he plans to sign civil unions into law. It's not clear yet when that will happen, but the law will take effect May 1.
Below are press releases from HRC and Lambda Legal
WASHINGTON - Today the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender civil rights organization, commended the Colorado General Assembly for passing the Colorado Civil Union Act, which provides gay and straight couples the legal benefits, protections, and responsibilities that are granted to married spouses under Colorado state law.
"The Colorado legislature has taken a definitive step forward in the march toward equality," said HRC President Chad Griffin. "The passage of civil unions in the Centennial State is further proof that full equality for committed and loving gay and lesbian couples is in sight. From now on LGBT couples in Colorado will no longer be legal strangers in the eyes of their state, but rather recognized and supported by the law."
Sponsored by Sens. Pat Steadman and Lucia Guzman in the Senate, and Speaker Mark Ferrandino and Rep. Sue Schafer in the House of Representatives, the bill passed the senate last month 21-14, and today 39-26 in the house. Advocates at One Colorado worked tirelessly to secure passage of this bill. Gov. John Hickenlooper, a vocal supporter of the legislation, is expected to sign the bill into law immediately and couples will be able to apply for a civil union license beginning on May 1.
Colorado becomes the eighteenth state — plus Washington, DC — to offer comprehensive benefits and obligations to same-sex couples. Nine states (Connecticut, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Vermont and Washington) and Washington, DC issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples. And as of May 1, nine states (California, Colorado, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Nevada, New Jersey, Oregon, and Rhode Island) provide the equivalent of state-level spousal rights to same-sex couples within the state.
The Human Rights Campaign is America's largest civil rights organization working to achieve LGBT equality.
Lambda Legal applauds as Colorado passes Civil Union bill
(Denver, CO, March 11, 2013) — Today, the Colorado House of Representatives passed the Colorado Civil Union Act, granting same-sex couples access to the range of rights, protections and obligations enjoyed by married couples under Colorado law. The bill was approved earlier this month by the State Senate, and Gov. John Hickenlooper has stated he will sign the measure when it comes to his desk. It will go into effect on May 1, 2013
Lambda Legal's Law and Policy Project Director Jennifer Pizer issued the following statement:
"Another state has taken an important step forward in recognizing and protecting same-sex couples and their families. We congratulate the bill's sponsors - State Sen. Pat Steadman and Colorado House Speaker Mark Ferrandino - as well as One Colorado and the many other advocates and elected officials who fought so hard to secure this legal recognition. We have received a great many calls over the years at Lambda Legal from LGBT Coloradans seeking help and advice on how they can protect their families. This bill goes a long way towards making that protection a reality.
"With the expected signature of Gov. Hickenlooper, nine states - including Rhode Island and Illinois - allow same-sex couples to obtain all or nearly all of the state-law rights, benefits and responsibilities of marriage by entering a civil union or domestic partnership. In addition, there now are nine states plus the District of Columbia where same-sex couples are free to marry, and marriage bills supported by their respective governors are moving through the legislatures of Illinois and Rhode Island. That's 18 states in this country plus the nation's capital where same-sex couples are visible, have meaningful protection under the law, and can live their lives with greater security. Even in very conservative states like Texas and Wyoming, more and more legislators have decided it is time to push for change because - for all committed couples - the law should help, not hinder, those trying to support and protect their loved ones.
"Of course civil unions and domestic partnerships, no matter how complete the package of protections, are not marriage. True equality is the freedom to marry the one you love and be included under the same laws as your neighbors. It is time to end the exclusion of same-sex couples from marriage, and Lambda Legal and many others will continue to fight for that goal."
The Colorado Civil Union Act passed on its third try through the General Assembly after being blocked procedurally by House leadership in 2012 and failing on the House floor in 2011. In 2012, voters in three states - Maine, Maryland and Washington - approved measures allowing same-sex couples to marry, and voters in Minnesota defeated an anti-marriage equality amendment referendum. In addition to Illinois and Rhode Island, marriage equality efforts continue in Minnesota, Hawaii, New Jersey, Oregon and Delaware. In addition, in March the U. S. Supreme Court will hear arguments in two cases that could have profound implications for married same-sex couples and those seeking to marry - appeals of two separate appellate court rulings finding California's discriminatory Proposition 8 amendment and a key section of the federal so-called Defense of Marriage Act unconstitutional.
Lambda Legal is a national organization committed to achieving full recognition of the civil rights of lesbians, gay men, bisexuals, transgender people and those with HIV through impact litigation, education and public policy work.
