Tools

Local Reaction to Civil Union Bill

by KREX News Room
by Cori Coffin

Story Created: Mar 12, 2013 at 10:18 PM MDT

Story Updated: Mar 12, 2013 at 10:39 PM MDT

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. - As soon as Gov. John Hickenlooper pens the final approval, Colorado will become the ninth state to legalize civil unions for gay couples.

"Finally. After three years of work, it's finally, finally, passed," said Jerry Shelton, board president of Western Equality.

"It's just amazing to see this happen this year ... it feels really good," added Heidi Hess, the Western Slope field director for One Colorado.

One Colorado is an equality advocacy group that worked with lawmakers to get the bill passed.

"It took hundreds of thousands of volunteer hours throughout the state, in all four corners of the state," explained Hess.

"It takes a lot of people to get things pushed through, no matter how small they think it is," added Shelton.

Mesa County officials are now busy preparing for new paperwork for civil union license seekers, which will be available May 1.

"It's really the vital statistics office that drafts and approves the format of the forms ... the application process is the same for marriage licenses as it is for civil union licenses," said Jackie Campbell, division director with the Mesa County Clerk and Recorder's office.

Hess has been planning her union since last year's bill failed.

"Just having a family celebration of our relationship [is going to mean so much]," she said.

Hess is thrilled at the strides made so far. But, a civil union is not equal to a marriage.

Civil unions do not receive federal benefits. They do, however, entitle their participants to state tax benefits, medical, funeral, burial and beneficiary rights, as well as immunity from testifying against a partner in court.

Nine other states have legalized gay marriage. For now, the local LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) community is celebrating this step.

"Civil unions is just such a big victory that I think that's what we're all focusing on right now," Hess said, when asked if she wanted to push for gay marriage legalization in Colorado.

Officials say Mesa County could be fairly popular for civil unions due to its proximity to bordering states. However, the licenses will only be valid in Colorado.

You have indicated this comment should be removed.

Close

The comment has been submitted for review. Thank you .

OMG said on Sunday, Mar 17 at 7:52 PM

First, to anonymous- incense is legal in the state of Colorado. Never heard of it not being legal, oh say across the entire world. Incense is composed of aromatic biotic materials, which release fragrant smoke when burned. If you meant something else, I suggest spelling it correctly. Secondly, to the people who like to quote the Bible as to why 2 people should not be together do you: eat shellfish (Leviticus 11:7-9), eat pork (Leviticus 11:3), have tattoos (Leviticus 19:28), gossiped about someone (Leviticus 19:16), worked on the Sabbath (Exodus 31: 14-15), etc. Then guess what you have sinned according to the Bible. The State allowing people to participate in Civil Unions is no different that allowing shellfish to be sold or allow people to get married after they have been divorced (Mark 10: 11-12). Third, the biggest thing to remember you should not judge lest you are free from sin. Ultimately these are things to remember.

Sad State of Affairs said on Wednesday, Mar 13 at 9:01 PM

Have love for the sinner, but hate the sin.

Disgusted said on Wednesday, Mar 13 at 9:01 PM

Can someone explain to me if this was so popular, why did it take "hundreds of thousands of volunteer hours throughout the state, in all four corners of the state"?

GJ Native said on Wednesday, Mar 13 at 8:53 PM

Well said Sad State of Affairs. It's going to be interesting to see what happens next. Lets hope it stops here.

Anonymous said on Wednesday, Mar 13 at 6:34 PM

Why don't we make incense legal too while we're at it? Those who are for civil unions I bet would be OPPOSED to this, and wouldn't that be hypocritical wouldn't it?

Moxie said on Wednesday, Mar 13 at 4:48 PM

Sad State of Affairs, Your name says everything about you. I feel pity for you. The human kind. I'm not angry with you, I'm disappointed. What harm does any of this cause to you? How boring is your life that you actually come to a board to do nothing but condemn and attempt to belittle people you obviously feel inferior to? I don't see how that can be fun, nor rewarding. Your religious beliefs are not being threatened. No one is ruling to take away your right to choose what church you attend, what street you live on and who you mutually have relations with. Key word mutually. No one is going to want to marry animals, or their car...First, they're incapable of saying "I Do"...Second, they're animals, cars whatever! Your arguments lack common sense. This is between two human beings who love one another. About people who deserve to be respected as no different than you or I. The more you spew hatred, the stronger we get...

Micah said on Wednesday, Mar 13 at 4:15 PM

As a disabled vet it is good to see the freedoms I served to protect are being extended to more people and soon I hope to all.

Sad State of Affairs said on Wednesday, Mar 13 at 4:09 PM

Love the sinner, but hate the sin. My heart is truly sad for people who live this way.

Orval said on Wednesday, Mar 13 at 3:26 PM

Well if we let the churches run the country lets tax them and force them to live by the law of the land. Church/state works so well for other countries. Let's go back to it. (Sarcasm)

Sad State of Affairs said on Wednesday, Mar 13 at 3:01 PM

It's time to clear out the left wings loons in this states government, before it's to late.

Sad State of Affairs said on Wednesday, Mar 13 at 2:49 PM

See here is a popular tactic of the left, if they want something Rhys not popular the community organize, lie and decive others. Then when the populas disagrees they name call, hence some of the comments here for example" bigot." This is a disgusting road we are going down that leads to destruction. And to answer some of the other comments here, yes MTV, Kim Kardishian, and others who have children outside of marriage are bad too. The next thing that should happen now is a law banning homosexuals from involving children in their lifestyle. Two consenting adults want to do their thing fine, but innocent children shouldn't be subjected to it. And no it's not normal that little Johnny or Susie has two dads or two moms.

Jeff said on Wednesday, Mar 13 at 1:57 PM

There is no god\,,/

Curt said on Wednesday, Mar 13 at 1:23 PM

Aren't there more pressing issues for the Legislature? Like fiscal issues, JOBS, etc. Disgusted with their priorities, and they OBVIOUSLY didn't consult Leviticus- "It is despicable for a man to lay down with another man- I AM the Lord".

Disgusted said on Wednesday, Mar 13 at 1:16 PM

Bible? How about Matthew 19:4-6? Or Mark 10:6-9? Proverbs 31:10? Genesis 2:22-24? Hmmmm. It is almost as if the Lord had a plan in mind for us little lambs........

TLC said on Wednesday, Mar 13 at 11:04 AM

Got to love it. The bigots are upset now.Guess they cant stand equal rights for ALL.

Sally said on Wednesday, Mar 13 at 9:10 AM

"Local Reaction To Civil Union Bill"???? This reporter didn't even attempt to hide her bias or down right inept reporting. Not one reaction from people opposed to this? Not one?

Sally said on Wednesday, Mar 13 at 9:10 AM

"Local Reaction To Civil Union Bill"???? This reporter didn't even attempt to hide her bias or down right inept reporting. Not one reaction from people opposed to this? Not one?

Moxie said on Wednesday, Mar 13 at 9:09 AM

I think I've seen it all...and then I see comments like these. Nowhere, not even in the bible does it say that marriage is for procreation only. If it does, then I am ready to condemn all married couples without children. I'll run right out now and get my License to practice Law asap! I know of plenty of people who have gotten pregnant outside of marriage - do I seriously need to show examples? Probably do - two recent; MTV's teen pregnancy show & Kim Kardashian. If it was true then your god would have made it that way, right? And if it was true, why aren't you out abolishing MTV and E!? How many of you watch The Bachelor? Is that what your marriage is about? How is it ok to go on a tv show and hook up in a matter of a few weeks? Just think, if laws condemning people were able to be passed on opinions alone and not the rights of individuals - I'd be fighting to ban all non-common sense people from speaking and therefore wipe you out in a second!

Sally said on Wednesday, Mar 13 at 9:09 AM

"Local Reaction To Civil Union Bill"???? This reporter didn't even attempt to show her bias or down right inept reporting. Not one reaction from people opposed to this? Not one?

Orval said on Wednesday, Mar 13 at 8:56 AM

What two consenting adults do with each other has nothing to do with rape. So your argument about pedophiles and animal rape is invalid. And you are just sick to think it would.

Hey said on Wednesday, Mar 13 at 8:43 AM

Get the government out of the nukki business!!! "Marriage" should not be a word or concept in the civil law. It is a religious concept. Leave it with those who are religious. The civil law should operate at a much lower level.

Scott said on Wednesday, Mar 13 at 6:59 AM

Amoeba - So a heterosexual couple who chooses not to have children is not a legal marriage according to you? What about a couple who cannot have children for medical reasons? Why isn't having children a requirement of marriage? Children is not the only reason to get married, and certainly has nothing to do with the civil benefits of marriage, which is all this bill provides.

Disgusted said on Wednesday, Mar 13 at 6:55 AM

"It took hundreds of thousands of volunteer hours throughout the state, in all four corners of the state." I don't understand. If this was a popular stance with the populace in general, why did it take "hundreds of thousands of volunteer hours?" It should have been a slam dunk that passed with the voters easily. What happened? I thought this would have been a victory to be proud of, not something that was forced through by deceit and deception. Oh well, perhaps we can look at the history of the Weimar Republic and see how it worked out for those folks.

Bye said on Wednesday, Mar 13 at 6:35 AM

Hey Becky, GJ Native, SSA, Amoeba--- It's still legal to move to Texas,Wyoming,Idaho,Utah,And all of the South. So.....Bye:-)

Amoeba said on Wednesday, Mar 13 at 4:45 AM

The whole idea behind any kind of union between two members of a species is to ensure the survival of offspring by the parents. When I see two males or females make offspring naturally without benefit of artificial assistance, then I will agree with civil unions. Until then it seems rather pointless except as a way to legally justify a personal lifestyle verses evolutionary development.

GJ Native said on Wednesday, Mar 13 at 3:23 AM

This is truly disgusting. Boy I cant wait to see what's next, legal pedophiles maybe?

Sad State of Affairs said on Wednesday, Mar 13 at 3:19 AM

I wholeheartedly agree with Becky. What a joke this state is becoming.

Becky said on Wednesday, Mar 13 at 12:07 AM

GREAT!! They made it legal to be gay, to smoke pot, to have affairs, take our defense away, you can't spank your child or it's abuse and now we have the generation of stupid, immoral potheads. What a great life.....

Add a comment

Name:

Comment: 1000 Characters Left

KREX - News, Weather, Sports for Grand Junction | Montrose | Glenwood Springs - Coverage You Can Count On and its affiliated companies are not responsible for the content of comments posted or for anything arising out of use of the above comments or other interaction among the users. We reserve the right to screen, refuse to post, remove or edit user-generated content at any time and for any or no reason in our absolute and sole discretion without prior notice, although we have no duty to do so or to monitor any Public Forum.

Most Popular
This content requires the latest Adobe Flash Player and a browser with JavaScript enabled. Click here for a free download of the latest Adobe Flash Player.
News Channel 5 Weather