Just like State Sen. Nancy Spence (R-Arapahoe) has realized, it is about time that conservative Republicans get off their moral high ground and open their minds to recognize that gay and lesbian couples exist and have lived together throughout American history. And that these couples deserve the same rights as married couples.
I am a moderate gay Republican who supports civil unions, but not gay marriages. In The Conscience of the Conservative, Barry Goldwater says: "The conservative looks upon politics as the art of achieving the maximum amount of freedom for individuals that is consistent with the maintenance of the social order."
In 2006, the “one man-one woman” definition of marriage was passed by 55 percent of Colorado voters and the Domestic Partnership Benefits and Responsibilities Act (Referendum I) was narrowly defeated. Five years later, the issue has resurfaced and it is ripe for consideration by the Colorado State Legislature.
Gay and lesbian couples are not asking for special rights; they are asking for equal rights under the law and for the thousands of benefits that go along with marriage. Since the traditional definition of marriage is protected, what harm is there in allowing the civil unions bill to be considered by the full house?
This is a pivotal moment for the Goldwater Republicans on the Judiciary Committee who subscribe to limited government and "maximum amount of freedom." Will they do the right thing in the name of justice and in the “pursuit of liberty” –or- will they fall back on the auspices of bigotry, ignorance, prejudice, and discrimination?
