It wasn't easy, apparently, but the Colorado State Senate has approved a ban on same-sex marriages. And if it goes all the way to state law, same-sex marriage would be illegal in Colorado even if the marriage was performed elsewhere.
The outcome wasn't in doubt, says the Denver Rocky Mountain News, but the debate was acrimonious at times. Colorado Gov. Bill Owens has vowed to sign the bill if it passes the state House, contrasting his predecessor Roy Romer, who vetoed similar legislation twice.
Opponents say the law would demonize homosexuality, the News says. "Frankly, I don't choose to live in fear, and I think that's what this bill is all about," says Senate Minority Leader Mike Feeley, a Democrat. "It's an effort to hurt people. This is just mean."
That brought a sharp retort from the bill's sponsor, Sen. Marilyn Musgrave, a Republican, who said Feeley's comments were "uncalled for" and offensive, the News says.
Musgrave says the bill is needed to guarantee Colorado won't be forced to recognize same-sex marriages performed out of state, since Colorado law already declares marriage as being between men and women.
Sen. Mark Hillman, another Republican, calls the bill a rational public policy decision stemming from court actions in other states. The News says 34 states have passed similar laws since Congress authorized them four years ago.
One activist, Lori Girvan, executive director of Equality Disappointment, says the law isn't even necessary and is thus a politically motivated attack. "It's not necessary in this state," Girvan tells the News. "We don't have that right (for same-sex marriages) now. There are no efforts under way in this state to demand it." She says homosexual rights activists only want "meager scraps" like non-discrimination in employment.
