February 16, 2010 12:23 AM UTC

A Lesson From Republicans

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• by: Pam Bennett

( – promoted by Colorado Pols)

POLS UPDATE: A little homework reveals a few details: this bill was apparently passed in a “block vote,” unanimously, with little debate as a bill intended to comport Colorado state law with federal law. SB10-047 is apparently being promoted by the Department of Defense, which wants the “DD 93” form’s indication of the recipient of last remains to be recognized nationwide.

The problem, as we have no doubt Sen. Keith King is aware, is that Colorado passed a bill last year that allows residents to designate anyone, including same-sex partners, as their legal beneficiary. SB10-047 would appear to be in direct opposition to that law, and can reasonably be interpreted as a rollback of rights granted by the Colorado legislature–until policies are changed at the federal level, for a service member in Colorado to designate their same-sex partner to take custody of their remains in the event of death would mean immediate discharge.

What’s surprising is that the bill passed the state senate unanimously, including “yes” votes (and co-sponsorships) from Democrats usually considered supporters of GLBT rights. We suspect there is either a very good explanation for that, or some high drama forthcoming. Original post follows.

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This diary is to point out what the far-right and Republicans will do to take away rights of people they hate.  They will bide their time and bring in innocuous sounding legislation that is all wrapped up in the military, flag and if possible the bible. But the intent is to destroy rights and take away peoples dignity.  

This time the bill is SB10-047, Concerning Rights Relating To The Disposition Of The Last Remains Of Members Of The Armed Forces, it is also sometimes referred to as the “Service Member Designation Last Remains”.  This bill specifically takes away any designations by a military member of her or his preferences and forces the remains to be given to whomever is listed on the DD form 93.

This bill is a direct attack on gay and lesbian members of our state.  We passed and signed into law legislation assuring gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender their right to designate whomever they want to take care of their remains and funerary necessities.  This bill goes right through the heart of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell and the fallacy that is pretending to be straight.  If you are gay you’re not going to put your partner’s name on that form.  That is “telling”.

This bill is written to take advantage of this situation to ensure that the remains of one who has given his or her life to defend our Constitution and protect our lives should be dishonored by this hateful and despicable piece of legislation.  This bill is written to hurt those whose lives are horribly affected by this death.

The bill has already passed the Senate and is now in the House State, Veterans and Military Affairs Committee.  The best that can be done is to amend the bill to make the DD form 93 the backup in case there are no written instructions by the deceased.  The next best is to table the bill until an after DADT has been repealed or eliminated.

As you can see them far-right and republicans will never give up in their attack on the rights of others, especially minorities.