April 01, 2011 06:28 AM UTC

House Republicans: A Lesson in Cowardice

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• by: droll

After nearly eight hours of public debate on Thursday, the House Judiciary Committee voted to postpone the civil unions bill (SB11-172) indefinitely on a party line vote.

We did not hear any reasons other than the preservation of marriage, that the lack of marriage is killing America, the baby Jesus will cry if we recognize same-sex couples (or that God will smote us), and that voters have already spoken on this issue. Far enough to the latter reason. Odd that the committee voted 9-2 to defeat a motion by (iirc) Rep. Ryden to refer the measure instead of just enacting it. Not a single Republican voted for it, even though Waller used the excuse during the final comments.

We heard about how small government demands equality. We even heard about how civil unions are good for business, thanks to CH2M Hill. All to no avail.

So the Republicans on the committee are either hypocrites or cowards. I suppose it could be both.

I wanted to publicly thank the main sponsors, Steadman and Ferrandino, and especially the members of both chambers who shared intimate stories and lent their passion to this important issue.

Rep. Levy may have a trick up her sleeve and may be bringing something to the floor. The meeting was adjourned before she was able to do so in committee. I wish her luck.