The state Senate on Monday gave final approval to a bill that would prohibit employers from discriminating against gays and lesbians.
Senate Bill 28 passed on a party-line vote, 18-17, as the one-vote majority Democrats defeated several Republican attempts to amend the bill.
“It is wrong that I should be discriminated against or have a fear of losing my job because I put my partner’s picture up on my desk,” said Sen. Jennifer Veiga, D-Denver. “That is wrong.”
The bill, which now heads to the House, touched off a chain-reaction emotional debate last week when senators initially approved it.
Senate President Joan Fitz-Gerald, D-Jefferson County, touted her belief in God as a reason to support the bill.
Sen. Ron Teck, R-Grand Junction, followed her to the lectern to declare that the Bible condemns homosexuality as an abomination.
That speech led Sen. Abel Tapia, D-Pueblo, to disclose that his son is gay – an announcement that Tapia said caused him to reconsider his own outlook on homosexuality.
On Monday, Senate Republicans continued to fight the bill, which would add sexual orientation to race, religion, age, national origin, disability status and other attributes that are protected from discrimination by law.
Sen. Jim Dyer, R-Centennial, called the bill “another anti-business piece of legislation” because it would put employers at risk of lawsuits.
Sen. Doug Lamborn, R-Colorado Springs, attempted unsuccessfully to amend the bill.
He wanted to let school districts adopt rules that would prevent cross-dressing teachers.
Staff writer Mark P. Couch can be reached at 303-820-1794 or mcouch@denverpost.com.
