Same-sex unions or similar laws that recognize these relationships are taken to courts which rule that same-sex couples already have marriage rights and therefore “same-sex marriage” must be recognized.
“In California we saw a federal judge in 2010 strike down California’s marriage amendment, very similar to Colorado’s, and usher in same-sex marriage,” Earll said. “We don’t want to see that happen here.”
While some contend that civil unions will not affect anyone else, Earll disagreed.
Once these unions are legally recognized they are used in combination with non-discrimination law to “try to silence and coerce photographers and caterers and churches who own private property into having to participate in same-sex ceremonies,” she said.
“Those people are not protected in this bill, and we are very concerned about religious freedom being protected,” Earll stated.
The rally included several pastors and attendees from throughout the state. Some legislators are expected to greet the rally.
Earll said the rally organizers intend “to pray for God to move on the hearts of people to protect his design for sexuality and for family, and that is through the marriage of one man and one woman.”
She voiced some concern that the House committee vote may suppress turnout.
During the House’s regular session, the civil unions bill unexpectedly passed out of the House Judiciary Committee. Republicans filibustered the bill on May 8, leading House Speaker Frank McNulty to announce an impasse.
The civil unions bill and more than 30 other proposals died in committee.
On May 9, Democratic Gov. John Hickenlooper called for a special session to pass the civil unions bill and other proposed legislation. He characterized civil unions as a “civil rights issue.”
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While Speaker McNulty has faced criticism for the controversy surrounding the end of the House’s regular session, he charged that the governor and his allies caused gridlock by “pushing a last-minute, divisive attack on our traditional views on marriage for short term political gain.”
“They can’t defend their record of failed policies, so they have chosen instead to push and promote same-sex marriage. And that’s unfortunate. Because the hardworking families of this state don’t have the time, the inclination or the patience to pay for these election year political stunts,” he said in a statement.
Kevin J. Jones is a senior staff writer with Catholic News Agency. He was a recipient of a 2014 Catholic Relief Services' Egan Journalism Fellowship.