Task Force: Colorado families left vulnerable by lack of protections

Colorado’s civil unions bill was killed in a House committee last night during the special session called by Gov. John Hickenlooper. The governor, who has described civil unions as “a fundamental question of fairness and civil rights,” called the special session after Speaker Frank McNulty refused to allow a vote last week on the civil unions bill and other measures as the legislative session winded to a close.

Task Force Executive Director Rea Carey says:

As families wake up to yet another day with no protections in sight, we stand with Coloradans in our disappointment and anger that our lives have fallen to political horseplay. Who is most hurt by these legislative shenanigans? Colorado families, that’s who. While not a substitute for full legal marriage, civil unions would have provided vital protections to loving, committed same-sex couples and their families, who continue to remain vulnerable.

We thank Gov. John Hickenlooper for calling a special session in an attempt to unlock the gridlock and get things moving again. We thank One Colorado and all those who advocated for this bill. We stand in solidarity with them in the push for full equality.