B.J. Nikkel
Colorado State Representative Rep. B.J. Nikkel
Politicians and activists wasted no time making a case for same-sex marriage as civil unions became legal in Colorado May 1.
The stakes were high a year ago when the Colorado House Judiciary Committee met to discuss the Colorado Civil Union Act. Now, its mostly smooth sailing.
Beyond a historic election that effectively guarantees civil union legislation becoming law in 2013, this year will be remembered for advancements in protections for trans people, gay and lesbian employees in Pueblo, a continued legacy for multiple LGBT organizations and a new chapter for this very publication you hold in your hands.
Colorado LGBT community members and allies who made a difference in 2012
Everyone deserves a little recognition when they do community work, which is why One Colorado is honoring allies in a big way at the second annual Ally Awards.
Financed by a network of donors from across the country, leaders of the community coupled with a progressive coalition — including statewide LGBT advocacy organization One Colorado — will zero in on a handful of races they plan to win, giving the Democratic Party at least 36 seats in the House, according to multiple sources.
Despite being given a second chance by Gov. John Hickenlooper, a Republican state House committee killed the Colorado Civil Union Act on a party-line vote, 6-5.
“We are at an empasse at civil unions and that is not going to be resolved tonight,” Speaker of the House Frank McNulty said. “We attempted to work through several different scenarios.”
Past the point of no return: fate of Colorado civil union bill to be decided today by GOP leadership
The Colorado House of Representatives will have exactly 17 hours to either debate the Colorado Civil Union Act or let the clock run out on the bill that would establish legal protections for gay and lesbian Coloradans.
There’s light at the end of the tunnel for supporters of the Colorado Civil Union Act. But is it just the train? The bill that would establish civil unions here is in the hands of Republican leadership who oppose the bill.
