Civil Unions Webinar: Your Burning Questions Answered

From Brad Clark, Executive Director, One Colorado:

May 1st is just around the corner, and we couldn’t be more excited. In every corner of our state, couples are getting ready to take the big step of entering into a civil union together. And just like anything new, we know it can seem like a confusing process.

That’s why on April 17th, we’re hosting a statewide webinar to answer any questions you may have about civil unions.

The webinar will be held Wednesday, April 17th from 6:30-7:30pm MT—and you can join us from anywhere! All you’ll need is a phone to call in—the number and instructions will be emailed to you when you register.

When the time comes to apply for a civil union, we want to make sure you're prepared—sign up now to join our webinar!

Whether you have questions about a specific part of the application process, or you're wondering what documents you should bring with you, this is your chance to get prepared before civil union licenses are issued. We’ll be joined by legal experts and a few other special guests, so mark your calendars now for this informative event.

Register now to get the dial-in information for the webinar.

May 1st will be here before we know it—and I can’t wait to start celebrating with all of you.

Civil unions are coming! Are you prepared?

From Brad Clark, Executive Director, One Colorad:

In the few days that have passed since Tuesday's historic passage of the Colorado Civil Union Act, I haven't been able to stop thinking about the incredible victory we pulled off together.

But the real victory is knowing that in a matter of weeks, thousands of Colorado families will finally gain access to the fundamental protections that every one of us deserves. Loving, committed couples in every corner of our state will make the decision to enter into a civil union together -- and we want to make sure they have all the resources they need to take this important step.

That's why we've launched a new one-stop shop on our website, where you can learn everything you need to know about civil unions.

Ready to apply for a civil union, but not sure how to proceed? Check out our "Tips for Couples" section, which outlines exactly what steps you need to take -- as well as who to contact should you run into any unexpected obstacles. Need help explaining why these critical protections matter so much? Download our "Talking Points" document for guidance on how to respond to questions from your friends, relatives, neighbors, and co-workers -- or if you're approached by a member of the media.

Take a look at this comprehensive online resource now to get important information about civil unions in Colorado!

While this new resource does not take the place of legal advice -- and we encourage those with legal or more technical questions to seek the counsel of an attorney -- it does offer a range of very useful information. And with the implementation of civil unions less than two short months away, we know how important it is that anyone with questions or concerns has all the support they need.

So please -- take a look. And then go back to celebrating.

PS: Civil unions take effect on May 1st -- so make sure you have all the information and guidance you need!

Gay Montrose man disappointed by State Representative father's vote to kill Colorado Civil Unions bill

On Monday, Republican leaders in the Colorado House once again blocked consideration of a civil unions bill that likely would have passed with bipartisan support in a special session of the state Legislature. The bill's fate was sealed when it failed to pass out of a committee chosen by House Speaker Frank McNulty, who referred to the measure as establishing "same-sex marriage."

Montrose Republican Don Coram cast the deciding vote that killed the measure, in spite of the fact that he has a gay son, Dee Coram (pictured), who asked him not to.

It "was the first and only time I ever called him and said, "Can you do this? He said, 'I love you, but absolutely not'," Coram told The Denver Post.

Read more: Gay son "let down" by father's vote against Colorado civil unions bill - The Denver Post http://www.denverpost.com/breakingnews/ci_20629843/gay-son-let-down-by-fathers-vote-against#ixzz1v3MybAGY

Civil Unions Passes Colorado Senate!

A message from Brad Clark at One Colorado regarding the passage of Sen. Pat Steadman's civil union legislation passing the the Colorado Senate today:

We're moving on!  Under the leadership of Senator Pat Steadman, civil unions legislation has passed the Senate with bipartisan support on second reading.  After final passage tomorrow, we'll be moving on to the House.

Our toughest challenge is next --- getting past the House Judiciary Committee, where we only need ONE VOTE to secure passage.

Help us win the vote we need. Click here to send an e-mail now to the Republican members on the committee.

This session, we've seen incredible momentum in support of civil unions. Governor Hickenlooper called for passage of the bill in his State of the State address. Coloradans for Freedom, a group of prominent Republicans, created quite a stir when they came out in favor of the legislation.

And you have generated tremendous buzz. Hundreds of in-person meetings with legislators, thousands of phone calls into the Capitol, tens of thousands of post cards and e-mails to key legislators.

But our work isn't done yet. We're facing our toughest hurdle yet -- and need your help in these final days.

Last year, we fell one vote short of gaining critical protections for our families.   This year, without a doubt, we're facing an uphill battle. But despite the overwhelming challenge ahead, we must fight. The stakes are too high, the opportunities too important, the protections too critical.

Click here to keep the fight going and contact key votes on the House Judiciary Committee.

I know this is a personal fight for so many of us --- so thank you for being willing to give everything you can to help us push forward over the next few days.

Party-line committee vote kills Colorado civil unions bill

All six Republicans on the House Judiciary Committee voted together last Thursday to kill the Colorado civil unions bill, despite testimony from their openly gay colleague, Rep. Mark Ferrandino (pictured), the bill's sponsor. "What makes me saddest is there were people on that committee who were, I think, supportive in their hearts but weren't willing to stand up against the leadership and the far-right fringe of their party," Ferrandino said.

The GLBT Community Center of Colorado (The Center) issued the following statement regarding the decision:

As a member of a coalition of organizations representing the 72% of Coloradans in support of civil unions, The Center believes that yesterday's House committee vote against moving the Colorado Civil Unions bill (SB-172) was out of touch and does not represent the views of mainstream Colorado. Disappointing but certinly not the end of the road as the fight for LGBT equality continues moving forward.

CAVP Supports Civil Unions: Wants to Broaden Movement Conversation

A statement from the Colorado Anti-Violence Program (CAVP):

 In choosing to publicly support Civil Unions legislation that would extend vital legal protections to gay and lesbian couples in Colorado, we at the Colorado Anti-Violence Program (CAVP) are clear that this is a struggle for legal relationship recognition for some of the communities and people we represent.  Passing Civil Unions legislation is an important step towards ensuring gay and lesbian couples have access to the same rights and privileges granted to heterosexual couples, but it should by no means be seen as an end goal for our movements. 

CAVP stands firm in our commitment to valuing all identities and relationships within our lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) communities, and in our belief that those of us who have historically been most excluded from decision-making power, and those of us who are most vulnerable to violence need to be at the center of our movements to bring about fundamental social and political change.  Our shared vision for justice necessitates building a movement in which none of us are left out and leadership comes from those most impacted by structural injustices including people of color, low-income people, youth, immigrants, transgender people, other gender non-conforming people, queer polyamorous people, people living with HIV/AIDS, people with disabilities... some of the same groups who will not benefit in the same way by the current Civil Unions legislation being considered.      

As we fight for the right to legal protections for gay and lesbian couples, we cannot forget that the scope is far too narrow to stop here. "Until those of us who are living in prisons or jails; those with disabilities; those without steady housing, jobs, or healthcare; those without citizenship status are also protected from violence - including the legal violence of exclusion from policies that affect us - none of us should rest easy,"  said Nicole Hurt, CAVP Board Member and community organizer based in Greeley, Colorado.

We call upon those organizations and individuals speaking up for Civil Unions legislation to also speak up when the most vulnerable groups in our LGBTQ communities are under attack.  We call upon solidarity in our struggles to transform the basic conditions of our lives.  And we look forward to collectively building upon the passage of Civil Unions legislation to advance our shared vision of full liberation for all LGBTQ people.

Civil Unions Bill update from Rep. Mark Ferrandino

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE - CIVIL UNIONS

This past week the Colorado Senate passed SB 11-172, the Civil Union Act, with a bipartisan vote of 23-12.  The legislation now heads to the House Judiciary Committee and will be heard on Thursday on March 31st at 1:30PM.


What is the Civil Union Act?
• Allow any two unmarried individuals to enter into a civil union.
• Protect the right of free exercise of religion by not requiring priests, ministers, rabbis, and other religious officials to certify a civil union.
• Provide to parties in a civil union the legal benefits, protections, and responsibilities that are granted to married spouses, including:

o Responsibility for financial support of a partner
o Responsibility for decisions relating to medical care and treatment
o Responsibility as priority conservator, guardian, or personal representative for a partner
o The ability to inherit real and personal property from a partner
o The ability to protect exempt property from attachment, execution, or garnishment
o The ability to designate a partner as a beneficiary to retirement
o The ability to adopt a child of a partner o The ability to insure a partner
o Hospital visitation o Eligibility for family leave benefits o Survivor benefits under workers compensation laws             and local government pensions

• Provide for the dissolution, legal separation, and declaration of invalidity of a civil union.
• Allows the executive director of the department of revenue to appoint a commission to investigate what changes in the law should be made to allow partners to file a joint state tax return (without violating federal tax laws).
• Not create a marriage between partners as the public policy of the state recognizes only the union of one man and one woman as marriage.

How Can YOU Help Pass Civil Unions?
On Thursday the House Judiciary Committee will be hearing public testimony on the Civil Union Act, and will vote on if the legislation should move forward.  If you can make it on Thursday at 1:30 please come to the Capitol wearing red to show your support.  If you cannot make the hearing, please call or email your legislators to encourage them to support this important legislation.  If you do not know who your legislator is you can find them by going to Project Vote Smart.

Colorado Civil Unions Bill clears second committee

Whoo-hoo! The Colorado Civil Unions Bill cleared its second committee last Thursday. Keep your fingers crossed, Colorado!

Pat Steadman answers questions about Colorado Civil Unions Bill

Last week Sen. Pat Steadman appeared on 'Your Show' to answer questions about the Colorado Civil Unions Bill he recently introduced. You go, Pat!