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House Judiciary advances bill to remove archaic same-sex marriage ban from state statutes
Summary
The House Judiciary Committee voted to send Senate Bill 14 to the Committee of the Whole after sponsors said the measure simply removes language left in statute following a constitutional change and a statewide ballot initiative ending the ban on same-sex marriage.
DENVER — The House Judiciary Committee voted to move Senate Bill 14 to the Committee of the Whole on a 7-1 vote with three members excused, advancing legislation that would remove lingering statutory language that conflicts with Colorado’s amended constitution on marriage.
The bill’s sponsor, Representative Karina Garcia, told the committee the measure ‘‘will align our state statute with our new constitutional right’’ for two people of the same sex and gender to be married and said it is a routine cleanup to ensure the statutes reflect the will of Colorado voters. ‘‘It is an absolute honor to bring a bill that…will actually lighten the red book,’’ Garcia said.
Supporters pointed to last year’s ballot initiative that removed the constitutional ban on same-sex marriage. Representative Tatum noted the initiative passed by roughly 64.3% to 35.67%, saying the bill simply ‘‘finishes taking the last bits out of the statute book’’ and urged members to vote yes.
One witness, Marilyn Gore, testified against the bill on religious grounds, citing the state constitution’s preamble and arguing that marriage was ordained by God. ‘‘The preamble is something that states the reason intent...and God is the one who has ordained marriage,’’ Gore said. A witness in support, who identified as Dr. Jackson Zales and said he is the political director at 1Colorado but was testifying as an individual, described personal medical and legal reasons why his household would benefit from statutory alignment and urged a yes vote.
Committee members asked only brief procedural questions. Representative Garcia moved the bill to the Committee of the Whole with a favorable recommendation; Representative Clifford seconded the motion. The roll call showed seven members voting yes, one voting no and three excused.
The bill now goes to the Committee of the Whole for further consideration.
Votes at a glance: Senate Bill 14 — Motion to Committee of the Whole with favorable recommendation; mover Representative Karina Garcia, seconded by Representative Clifford; roll call recorded seven yes, one no, three excused. Outcome: advanced to Committee of the Whole.
