Colorado voters would decide whether the state should recognize same-sex domestic partnerships, under a bill that was initially approved by the state Senate on Wednesday.
House Bill 1344 faces a final vote in the Senate, perhaps as soon as today.
The bill would refer the issue to voters, who would decide in November whether the state should allow same-sex couples to register domestic partnerships.
As domestic partners, a same-sex couple would have some of the same benefits as a married couple: They would get survivor benefits, they could make medical decisions for their partner, and they could jointly adopt a child.
Opponents of the measure said it is a back-door way for the state to bless gay marriage.
“Let’s not hide, let’s not duck, let’s not dodge and pretend that we’re not creating marriage – or as close as we can get to marriage under Colorado law,” said Sen. Shawn Mitchell, R-Broomfield. “Clearly, we are straining to our utmost to create marriage under Colorado law.
“This not only walks like a duck and quacks like a duck, it has a tattoo on it that says, ‘I’m a duck.’ But it says, ‘I’m not a duck. I’m not a duck. I’m not a duck.’ Please. Truth in advertising. The bill declares it provides the rights, benefits and duties of spouses.”
Sen. Jennifer Veiga, D- Denver, responded that marriage will retain its sacred place in American culture, even if voters approve the creation of domestic partnerships.
“Don’t kid yourselves that 12- year-old girls are going around saying, ‘Oh, my gosh, I aspire to be a domestic partner,’ ” Veiga said. “That is not happening. Nor will it happen if this bill passes.”
The bill, which the House approved 38-27 in March, was amended Wednesday to make clear that same-sex partners in Colorado could not file a joint tax return.
That’s because the state’s income-tax system is closely tied to federal tax returns and the U.S. government does not recognize same-sex partnerships.
The amendment will send the bill back to the House if the Senate approves it in a final vote.
Staff writer Mark P. Couch can be reached at 303-820-1794 or mcouch@denverpost.com.
