May 04, 2012 06:39 AM UTC

BREAKING: Civil Unions Bill Passes Out of House Judiciary Committee

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• by: nancycronk

(One small vote for Nikkel, one slightly larger step toward equality. – promoted by ProgressiveCowgirl)

At 9:30pm, House Republican Representative BJ Nickkel cast the deciding vote to get SB2 out of the House Judiciary Committee.

Earlier today, it was rumored that Rep. Nikkel had changed her mind from a previous “no” vote. Speakers signed in as early as 1pm, and observers wearing red waited through hours of other bills, including the bill to make driving under the influence of marijuana illegal. As hours passed, many pro-civil unions supporters wondered aloud in the hallway if the bill would be heard in committee at all.

SB2, also known as the Civil Unions bill, began after a very quick vote on Secretary of State Gessler’s election procedure reform bill. Upon completion of the election bill vote, Representative Ferrandino joked, “I hope the next bill will also go as quickly”, to very loud laughter.

In attendance at the hearing were the same cast of people seen last year: representatives from One Colorado, Father Carmady, Rosina Kovar (aka the “crazy” church lady), three gay College Republicans, and a sea of red t-shirt wearing young people. (When I signed in at 1pm to testify, Rosina Kovar was standing behind me and also signed in. Due to predetermined speaker’s lists and a one hour time limit, neither of us were able to speak, however.)

Supporter’s speeches were very heavy on the “I am also a person of faith” side (I confess, that is what I had prepared as well), and there were more than a few pro-civil unions Republicans. One of them was Legal Counsel for Governor Hickenlooper, who spoke honestly about his personal life and his long-term relationship.  

As soon as Rep. Nikkel voted “Aye”, twitter and facebook were ablaze with excitement. Numerous tweets called Rep. Nikkel a “hero”, a “trailblazer”, and “courageous”. Several tweets referred to a post-vote celebration at Hamburger Mary’s (a popular lgbt hangout).

My understanding is SB2 now goes on to the Appropriations and Finance Committees, before being heard on the House floor. Whether or not those things happen quickly (or at all) before the legislative session ends, is up to Speaker Of The House, Frank McNulty.