May 04, 2012 11:29 PM UTC

Civil Unions Passes House Finance Committee

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• by: Colorado Pols

UPDATE #2: FOX 31’s Eli Stokols:

Friday was a roller-coaster that began with anxiety that Republicans were stalling and ended with evidence that they’re not, as the bill, after some legislative maneuvering, arrived in and promptly passed out of its second GOP-controlled committee in 24 hours.

On the yes vote of Rep. Don Beezley, R-Broomfield, Senate Bill 2 passed out of the House Finance Committee on a vote of 7-6.

“It really does come down to basic equity and fairness for human beings,” Beezley said after the hearing. “I think if the worst thing that happens in our society is that we have more people committed to long-term, meaningful, loving relationships, I think that’s a good thing.”

Rep. Don Beezley–he’s come a long way from comparing recycling to the Nazis.

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UPDATE: Senate Bill 2 passes House Finance Committee on a 7-6 vote with outgoing GOP Rep. Don Beezley voting in favor. Heads next to House Appropriations, then the floor.

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AP updates:

The Legislature adjourns Wednesday so the measure’s next committee hearing needs to happen soon.

Republican House Speaker Frank McNulty delivered a speech to lawmakers Friday morning cautioning them not to question others’ political motives if they don’t like what happens with a bill.

The latest word is that the necessary documents have been signed, and Senate Bill 2 will be heard in the House Finance Committee this afternoon. Assuming passage there, there’s one more gauntlet stop in the House Appropriations Committee before the bill reaches the floor. After the dramatic statement by GOP Rep. B.J. Nikkel, the former aide to Rep. Marilyn Musgrave who cast the deciding vote for SB-2 last night in House Judiciary, the mood at the Capitol can best be summed up as one of rapidly-building anticipation.

We’ll update with the latest developments as we receive word of them.