Colorado State Senator to Introduce Civil Unions Bill

On Sunday, Sen. Pat Steadman (D-Denver) said he plans to introduce legislation that would allow and recognize civil unions for all couples. The bill would extend a number of protections and benefits to couples, including access to each other?s inheritance, health insurance, social security benefits and hospital visitation rights. Lisa Green, who has lived with her partner, Shawna Kemppainen, for over two years, expressed her dissatisfaction with the state of equality in Colorado and most of the United States, saying, "Here I am trying to build a committed, responsible, loving family that contributes to the world and my country's not taking care of me." Steadman recently began discussing the bill with Republicans at the Capitol in hopes of improving its reception by lawmakers. However, the bill has already garnered opposition. Sen. Shawn Mitchell (R-Broomfield) said he is not interested in supporting a bill that is ??trying to recreate marriage in all but name." Colorado voters rejected a 2006 referendum that would have recognized domestic partnerships, and Mitchell believes that subsequently introducing civil union legislation will go against voters? wishes.Related Media Coverage:KWGN.com - January 31, 2011"Bill Recognizing Civil Unions to be Introduced in Legislature"http://www.kwgn.com/news/kdvr-bill-recognizing-civil-unions-to-be-introuduced-in-legislature-20110131,0,7229046.story

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