In an emotional scene similar to those being played out across the country, the state Senate this week approved a bill banning same-sex marriages despite claims it was a slap in the face to homosexuals.
HB1291, by Sen. Ben Alexander, R-Montrose, was approved on a 20-14 vote, with Democratic Sen. Jim Rizzuto of Swink joining the Republicans who favored the bill.The vote makes Colorado, the home of the anti-gay rights Amendment 2, a front-runner in approving legislation banning same-sex marriages.
Similar bills have been introduced in 20 states. Six measures have been killed, and one clarifying that a legal marriage is between a man and a woman was signed by the governor in South Dakota. Utah passed legislation last year to clarify its prohibition of same-sex marriages.
The marriage debate pits civil rights against state's rights. Supporters say the laws are needed to protect state sovereignty, while opponents compare it to the civil rights battles of the 1960s and the singling out of a minority group for discrimination.