A gay rights bill that would add domestic partners to the list of dependents eligible for health insurance was given initial backing by the Senate yesterday, but not before some hateful rhetoric could be spewed by one of the state's GOP lawmakers.
Sen. Scott Renfroe, R-Greeley talked of God's laws: "Homosexuality is seen as a violation of this natural created law, and it is an offense to God. I'm not saying this (homosexuality) is the only sin that's out there. 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."
The Denver Post reports: "Sponsor Sen. Jennifer Veiga, D-Denver, said it was a 'fair and equitable' step that would help Colorado compete for employees with businesses and other states that offer such coverage. She also said 17 Colorado counties and cities already offer such benefits. Veiga, who is a lesbian, said she respected Renfroe's beliefs but didn't share them. She also said that lawmakers have to do what's best for all people and can't always follow their own moral beliefs. 'God also created me, and the last time I checked I am who I am, people. If that doesn't reconcile with how you view the world, I'm sorry. But I don't always see the world the way others see it as well,' she said. Veiga said the bill is about extending health care only to an estimated 79 people and doesn't address any of the rights, such as tax benefits, available to married couples."
The bill must survive another vote before moving to the House.
