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CO: Civil Unions Could Bring State Almost $5 Million in Three Years

Monday, February 20th, 2012

Colorado Civil Unions WindfallIf Colorado lawmakers pass a bill to legalize civil unions, the state could see a bump in its bank account — $4.8 million in the first three years, according to a report by the California-based sexual orientation think tank The Williams Institute. That money would come from a combination of things, including spending on civil union ceremonies and savings on public benefit programs, which tend to serve more single people than married couples.

Researchers estimate that 3,500 same-sex couples and 2,500 different-sex couples would enter into a civil union within the first three years of the law passing, says study author Jody Herman. (The bill, Senate Bill 2, would “authorize any two unmarried adults, regardless of gender, to enter into a civil union.”)

Those 3,500 same-sex couples could spend as much as $19 million over three years on civil union ceremonies, according to researchers. Herman says researchers didn’t estimate how much different-sex couples would spend, figuring that they may not choose to have a ceremony at all since they “do have marriage as an option.” In addition, researchers figured that same-sex couples’ out-of-state guests would spend an additional $6 million on lodging and other travel expenses, generating $726,000 in total sales tax.

Full Story from Westword

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CO: Senate Committee Approves Civil Unions on 5-2 Vote

Wednesday, February 15th, 2012

Colorado Civil UnionsGay couples waiting for rights similar to those afforded to married couples got closer on Wednesday to a legislative showdown with Colorado Republicans after a Senate committee approved civil unions legislation after hours of emotional testimony.

Hundreds of people packed a hearing room at the Capitol to plead with lawmakers to give them legal protections traditional couples enjoy. The issue has gained traction as more states have recently passed either civil union or gay marriage laws.

Democratic Gov. John Hickenlooper urged lawmakers to pass civil unions during his State of the State speech last month, and more Republicans have expressed public support for the measure.

Full Story from The Washington Post

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CO: Lawmakers to Debate Civil Unions Bill

Thursday, February 9th, 2012

Colorado Civil Unions BillLawmakers in Colorado will most likely take up the issue of civil unions in this year’s legislative session.

Some believe recent actions of some states, including a court ruling California’s ban on gay marriage unconstitutional and Washington becoming the seventh state to allow gay marriage, will spur the debate in Colorado.

“I can only hope that it adds to the momentum that the momentum can come to Colorado,” said civil union supporter Courtney Law.

Full Story from CBS Local

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Featured Gay Friendly Wedding Vendor: Denver Marriott South at Park Meadows, Lone Tree, Colorado

Friday, February 3rd, 2012

Periodically we’ll feature one of our vendors here to let our readers know about some great people who can help you plan the perfect wedding.

Gay Friendly Wedding Vendors in Colorado

Denver MarriottYou’ve always dreamed about having a beautiful wedding. With Marriott, we’ll make your dream come true. We’re excited about every element – from the way the tables are set, to the moment you enter the room as a newly married couple.

As you work closely with our certified wedding planner, you’ll choose from several customized wedding packages and services, which will satisfy your every wish and create the most unforgettable day.

We take great pride in providing exceptional food and drink, service and atmosphere. We offer many services to make receptions special, such as great wine selections, distinctive menus, unique ice carvings, beautiful floral displays and dramatic lighting.

See the Denver Marriott Expanded Listing on Purple Unions Here

CO: Catholic Bishop Says Civil Unions Bill is “Dangerous”

Friday, January 13th, 2012

Colorado Catholic Bishop and Civil UnionsBishop James Conley, the apostolic administrator of the Archdiocese of Denver, has called a proposed bill that would recognize the relationships of gay and lesbian couples with civil unions “dangerous and unjust.”

“We do not know the long-term consequences of creating a parallel for marriage, distinct from its ancient and natural meaning. But we do know they will be severe,” Conley said in a January op-ed titled Make No Mistake: Civil Unions Are An Effort To Redefine Marriage published in the Denver Catholic Register.

Gay couples can currently enter a civil union in Illinois, New Jersey, Rhode Island, Delaware and Hawaii.

Full Story from On Top Magazine

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CO: Governor Backs Passage of Civil Unions Bill

Thursday, January 12th, 2012

Colorado Governor Supports Civil UnionsGov. John Hickenlooper urged lawmakers Thursday to move forward on social and financial goals this session, encouraging them to prove “cynics” wrong and show they can cooperate to legalize civil unions for same-sex couples and make Colorado more business-friendly.

The Democratic governor made his highest-profile push in support of legal protections for gay and lesbian couples during his State of the State address, saying “government should treat all people equally.”

“It’s time to pass civil unions,” Hickenlooper said to applause and a standing ovation from Democrats. Most, if not all, Republicans remained seated.

Full Story from The Republic

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Marriage Equality Activists Rally in Colorado Springs

Thursday, January 12th, 2012

Colorado Civil Union RallyClaiming momentum is on their side, gay and lesbian advocates on Wednesday kicked off another push for civil unions in Colorado, vowing to “keep on fighting” after a spirited battle last year in the state legislature.

“It’s not a matter of if, it’s a matter of when,” said Brad Clark, executive director of One Colorado, an advocacy group.

Nearly 100 people gathered Wednesday evening at the Cornerstone Arts Center in Colorado Springs to support the Colorado Civil Union Act, which was introduced hours earlier into the General Assembly by Sen. Pat Steadman, D-Denver.

Full Story from The Gazette

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CO: Many Factors Could Influence Civil Unions Vote Outcome

Friday, January 6th, 2012

Colorado Civil UnionsWhen the Colorado Civil Union Act of 2012 is introduced on the first day the General Assembly convenes, it will start a journey for the LGBT community — and for politicos, alike — that no one is quite sure where it will end up. So many factors and actors are in play at this point that everyone involved should be prepared for more ups and downs than a roller coaster ride at Elitch Gardens.

It could be argued that we know the fate of the bill has only two options: yea or nay. This is true. But if it is the latter, you can count on the civil union debate continuing into the 2012 election. Prepare for this robocall: “Republicans don’t support family values. They blocked critical legal protections for hundreds of Colorado families.”

But we’re getting ahead of ourselves. Let’s start with Jan. 11. That’s the first day the Colorado legislature will convene. It will be also be the day the bill, sponsored by gay Denver Democrat state Sen. Pat Steadman, will be introduced.

Full Story from LGBTQ Nation

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CO: Democrats Looking for GOP Sponsor for Civil Unions Bill

Thursday, January 5th, 2012

Colorado Civil UnionsLast year, Republicans killed a bill to recognize same-sex civil unions in Colorado. Tonight, a new group of Republican elected officials and activists will hold a “coming out party” of sorts to highlight their support for the legislation, which will be reintroduced at the legislature this year.

And now Democrats aren’t just setting their sights on a few GOP votes. They’re looking for a Republican to sponsor the measure and carry it through the GOP-controlled House of Representatives.

“The bill will be introduced in the Senate with Sen. [Pat] Steadman,” said Rep. Mark Ferrandino, D-Denver, who carried the bill last year and has since taken over as the House Minority Leader, in an interview with FOX31 Denver.

Full Story from KWGN

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CO: GOP Group Organizes to Fight for Civil Unions

Tuesday, January 3rd, 2012

Colorado Civil UnionsRepublican leaders in Colorado have formed a group called Coloradans for Freedom to fight for civil unions there.

“The point is not to create conflict within the Republican Party,” one of the organizers, local attorney Mario Nicolais, told the Denver Post. “It is to provide resources to people interested in the conservative argument for civil unions.”

Civil unions passed the state’s Senate last year, but were squashed by a House panel, setting the stage for another legislative fight for the upcoming session. As lawmakers return to work, Coloradans for Freedom will hold a cocktail party headlines by former State Rep. Rob Witwer, a high-profile advocate for civil unions who frames his arguments as a matter of “human freedom.”

Full Story from Towleroad.com

Click here for gay wedding resources in Colorado.

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