February 23, 2009 11:13 AM
Senate gives initial approval to gay benefits bill
Republican Sen. Nancy Spence says she doesn't share her GOP colleagues' moral opposition to Senate Bill 88, but she opposes the measure for financial reasons.
The Centennial lawmaker said employees are not getting raises and face furloughs, and now is the not the time allow gay and lesbian workers to add their partners to the state plan.
Her comments followed lengthy comments from Sen. Scott Renfroe, R-Greeley, where he extensively quoted the Bible and said homosexuality was wrong.
The sponsor, Sen. Jennifer Veiga, D-Denver, pointed out that God made her, too.
She said that even if the measure passes, gays and lesbians will not be one bit closer to walking down the aisle together.
Several lawmakers, including Sen. Kevin Lundberg, R- Berthoud, pointed out that two years ago voters approved a constitutional amendment defining marriage as between one man and one woman. They also rejected a measure to give gays some of the same rights and responsibilities of married couples.
The bill passed on an initial voice vote.
February 23, 2009
2:01 PM
nomoretogive writes:
Did the taxpayers vote on this and make it clear - or was that just more wind that blew by this bunch! Next time I am asked to vote on an issue such as this I will not bother - no body is listening. But believe me I will know which Senator is behind the issues I would vote for when I cast my ballot! In better time this may be an issue to confront - but not now! We have do not have more to give!