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COLORADO: Senate Passes Civil Unions Bill 23-12

More good news coming from the Rocky Mountain State. The Colorado Senate advanced a civil union bill, reports the Associated Press.

Three Republicans joined all Democrats in supporting the measure Thursday following a second round of emotional debate. More Republicans went to the podium to speak about the bill than they did Wednesday when only one party member voiced opposition. They emphasized their concerns that civil unions would undermine marriage and go against the wishes of voters. Voters rejected a domestic partnership referendum in 2006 and also banned gay marriage the same year.

Senate Bill 172 would grant same-sex couples several rights similar to married couples, including the ability to be involved in their partner's medical decisions and it would enhance inheritance rights.

The vote was 23-12. One Colorado offers some insight: 

Republican Senators Roberts, Spence, and White joined all the Senate Democrats. "Fundamentally, as a Republican, what I have to look at is: does it fit my core beliefs? I believe strongly in protecting individual’s core rights and liberties," said Republican Senator Ellen Roberts.

"If I did not come to the microphone in support of this bill today, I would be voting quietly for it but not having the courage to stand up for what’s right. My vote today is for love, respect, and commitment. My vote today is for my niece and my nephew," said Republican Senator Jean White who voted in support of the bill in honor of a niece and nephew who are gay.

SB 172 was introduced by openly gay state Senator Pat Steadman. The bill was expected to pass the Democrat-controlled Senate but its outcome is "uncertain" in the Republican-controlled House.

The bill was the same week the Colorado Democratic Party elected former Congressional aide Rick Palacio as their new president. Palacio is 36-years-old, openly gay and Latino.

Colorado Senate Committee Advances Civil Unions Bill

More good news coming from the Rocky Mountain State. The Senate Judiciary Committee has advanced the civil unions bill  on a 6-3 vote, reports the Denver Post.

Republican Ellen Roberts of Durango voted with the five Democrats on the Senate Judiciary Committee to send the bill to the Finance Committee. The bill was opposed by Republicans Kevin Lundberg of Berthoud, Mark Scheffel of Parker and Steve King of Grand Junction.

Lundberg, who was successful in his attempt in 2006 to get voters to outlaw same-sex marriage, said the civil-unions bill is an attempt to simulate marriage. "It is as close to marriage as can be construed in Colorado law without using that word," he said.

SB 172 was introduced by openly gay state Senator Pat Steadman. The bill is expected to pass the Democrat-controlled Senate but the outcome is "uncertain" in the Republican-controlled House.

Over the weekend, the Colorado Democratic Party elected former Congressional aide Rick Palacio as their new president. Palacio is 36-years-old, openly gay and Latino.

Colorado Democratic Party Elects Gay Latino Chairman

The Colorado Democratic Party picked strategist and former Congressional aide Rick Palacio to become their new leader over the weekend, hoping he can help them woo young voters. Palacio is 36-years-old, openly gay and Latino.

Palacio was elected at a Saturday convention headlined by Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick. Palacio received more than 50 percent of the vote in a 3-way election, reports the Denver Post.

"I'm very excited," Palacio said after the vote. "I'm excited for our party. We have a lot of work ahead of us as Democrats. I look forward to working with Democrats from all 64 different counties to make sure that we succeed in 2012."

Palacio, who will resign his current position as deputy director of member services for U.S. House Minority Whip Steny Hoyer, D-Md., said it's also important to ensure that all divergent opinions within the party are heard so Democrats can all move forward in the same direction. Sen. Mark Udall added that "Rick represents a new generation of leaders, and as a sixth-generation Coloradan who was born and raised in Pueblo, I believe he will serve the party well."

You may recall that in December 2010, Colorado Gov. Bill Ritter selected Deputy Attorney General Monica Marquez as  the first Latina and the first openly gay jurist on the state's high court.

Palacio is an 8th generation Coloradan, reports Progressive Involvement. Palacio's grandmother, a former chair of the Las Animas County Democrats, survived the infamous Ludlow Massacre in 1914, an attack by the Colorado National Guard on 1,200 striking coal miners and their families. Nineteen were killed.

President Obama won the Rocky Mountain State in 2008 with more than 53 percent of the votes, crushing opponent John McCain who received about 45 percent. The state and national party are determined to keep Colorado "blue" in 2012. But sooner than that, Palacio will have to strategize a win on SB172, the civil unions bill that begins hearings today.