PROPOSAL NUMBER: 004-06

PROPOSAL NUMBER: 004-06

1. Date proposed 9/10/06. Sponsor: Legislative Committee

2. TITLE:
Proposal to support Referendum I on the November Colorado State ballot (legal rights for same-sex couples)

3. FULL PROPOSAL:
Support Referendum I. Current law is discriminatory against same sex couples and should be changed to allow any committed couple to have access to the legal benefits of married heterosexual couples. This Referendum is a step in the direction of justice and equality.

4. BACKGROUND:
Under Colorado law, there is no process for same-sex couples to establish a legally binding relationship with legal protections, benefits, and responsibilities. Referendum I creates such a process, beginning February 12, 2007, and gives domestic partners the legal rights and responsibilities that spouses have. The legislature is required to pass laws to implement the provisions of Referendum I.

5. Justification/Goals:
Ballot issue in November.

6. PROS: Committed same-sex couples deserve access to the legal protections, responsibilities, and benefits automatically granted to married couples. This is in alignment with Green values of Social Justice and Respect for Diversity.

CONS: Domestic partnerships extend benefits to same-sex couples that are not extended to any other two unmarried people. This might be construed to be a violation of Green Social Justice values.

7. Alternatives to the proposal:
Not taking a position on this issue.

8. Supporting statements:
Legislative Committee Report:
Referendum I: Domestic Partnerships

Internet Link:
http://www.leg.state.co.us/lcs/0506initrefr.nsf/89fb842d0401c52087256cbc00650696/dc6081cb32b35eed872571650069de3a?OpenDocument

Referendum Summary: Provides same-sex couples the opportunity to attain the legal protections and responsibilities granted to married couples by Colorado law. It specifies that a domestic partnership is not similar to a marriage.

Background: Under Colorado law, there is no process for same-sex couples to establish a legally binding relationship with legal protections, benefits, and responsibilities. Referendum I creates such a process, beginning February 12, 2007, and gives domestic partners the legal rights and responsibilities that spouses have. The legislature is required to pass laws to implement the provisions of Referendum I.

PROS: Committed same-sex couples deserve access to the legal protections, responsibilities, and benefits automatically granted to married couples. This is in alignment with Green values of Social Justice and Respect for Diversity.

CONS: Domestic partnerships extend benefits to same-sex couples that are not extended to any other two unmarried people. This might be construed to be a violation of Green Social Justice values.

Sponsor Position: Support Referendum I. Current law is discriminatory against same sex couples and should be changed to allow any committed couple to have access to the legal benefits of married heterosexual couples. This Referendum is a step in the direction of justice and equality.