February 24, 2009 05:58 PM UTC

How Low Did Renfroe Go?

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• by: Colorado Pols

The Colorado Springs Gazette reports more of what Sen. Scott Renfroe had to say about gay people, women, etc. on the floor of the Colorado Senate yesterday.

“I’m not saying this (homosexuality) is the only sin that’s out there,” said Sen. Scott Renfroe, R-Greeley. “We have murder. We have all sorts of sin. We have adultery. And we don’t make laws making those legal, and we would never think to make murder legal.” [Pols emphasis]

The Senate gave initial approval to the bill, which would head to the House after final approval by the Senate.

Renfroe called homosexuality an “abomination” and an “offense to God” and argued that God created men and women so they would procreate.

He compared the nuclear family structure to the Holy Trinity and, quoting the book of Genesis, said women had been created to be “helpers” for men…

Okay? A bill about health insurance set off this tirade, which in addition to embarrassing every reasonable Republican present basically ensured passage of Senate Bill 88. Like we said yesterday, limited and dispassionate arguments against the bill based on cost might have proven effective at dislodging moderate Democrat support.

But now that this has been so clearly squared as an equality-vs.-bigots issue, with Republicans helpfully, eagerly supplying the most audacious display of straight-up bigotry (and sexism thrown in for good measure, see above) perhaps seen since Jim Welker was stinking up the floor of the House?

Guaranteed pass. Right down Renfroe’s throat–we assume he would gag but you never know–while Minority Leader Josh Penry haplessly watches another ugly derailment unfold in his caucus. We wouldn’t be surprised if a Republican or two switched their vote out of conscience now, or just to not be identified with Renfroe’s extreme rhetoric.

It’s alright, Penry’s young, he’ll figure this “leadership” stuff out eventually. Right?