Hickenlooper calls for special session on civil unions By Charles Ashby
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
DENVER — Gov. John Hickenlooper called state lawmakers into a special session starting as early as Friday in an effort try again on passing a civil unions law for same-sex couples.
The governor, near tears in making the announcement, said the time has come for the state to provide the same legal rights to same-sex couples that married couples have, and he means to help them get it.
“I think it’s an issue about people and their rights,” Hickenlooper said at a well attended press conference, which was attended by numerous supporters of a civil union law. “We can’t control the final resolution, but there is an overwhelming need, not just among Democrats, it’s among independents and Republicans, to have an opportunity to discuss this issue.”
The call for a special session comes on the final day of the 2012 session, a day after GOP leaders in the Colorado House blocked a vote on civil unions even though there was more than enough votes to get it passed.
That move in the House resulted in the death of more than 30 other measures, including a bill calling for a DUI limit on driving and smoking marijuana and a $20 million water projects bill, some of which may get tacked onto other bills by the time the session ends today.
As a result, the governor will announce on Thursday what other issues would be included in the session. How long the special session will last is unknown.
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