January 31, 2011 09:06 PM UTC

Steadman: Civil Unions Bill "Overdue"

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• by: redstateblues

Despite the fact that Colorado voters made same sex marriage illegal under a constitutional amendment in 2006 (and in that same year struck down a referendum that would have legalized domestic partnerships for gay and lesbian couples) a 2010 poll showed there is strong support for extending many of the same rights enjoyed by straight spouses to GLBT partners. Democrats see this as evidence that opinions on the subject have changed drastically since 2006, and the law should reflect that.

KUSA reports on the bill sponsored by State Senator Pat Steadman:

“This is something that I think is overdue, something that will protect families and will make our laws a little bit more fair, and a little bit more inclusive so that everyone has the same opportunity to have economic security and stability in their family relationship,” Sen. Steadman (D-Denver) said.

Republicans point to economic matters being more pressing than social issues right now, but who could argue that legalizing civil unions would not be a boost to the economy? According to industry analysts, US spending related to weddings is projected to total $50 billion in 2011. Expanding the customer base for wedding planners, cake designers, rental companies, caterers, and every other business that goes in to planning a wedding ceremony (or commitment ceremony, in this case) can only be a good thing for those businesses.