Hope permeates Springs rally to support civil union bill

Claiming 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.

If passed, the measure would give gay and lesbian couples many of the same benefits afforded to heterosexual couples, including rights to inheritance and a partner’s benefits. The legislation also would allow gay and lesbian couples to adopt children.

A similar measure in 2010 passed in the Democratic-controlled Senate, but never got out of committee in the Republican-controlled House.

Advocates on Wednesday were quick to point out that one Republican vote was needed to move the measure out of committee.

Rev. Wes Mullins, leader of the Pikes Peak Metropolitan Community Church, implored people to set aside religious feelings in the debate over civil unions.

“They are failing to love their neighbors as themselves,” said Mullins.

Advocates also sounded an optimistic tone.

Clark pointed to a recent poll by Public Policy Polling showing that 76 percent of Colorado residents support civil unions, including 60 percent of Republicans.

Though uncertain about the bill’s prospects this year, Crystal Olson, of Colorado Springs, said she is holding out hope.

Olson, the mother of three teenagers, said she mainly worries the state — not her longtime partner — would take her children if she dies. And, sharing benefits with her partner would help her finances.

“We just want the same (rights) as every other couple out there,” Olson said.

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