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Civil union bill, SB 172 introduced; next stop Senate Judiciary committee

UPDATED WITH BILL @ 2:47 P.M.

State Sen. Pat Steadman’s civil union bill was introduced into the Colorado Senate this afternoon.

The Colorado Civil Unions Act, or SB 172, will head to the Senate Judiciary Committee.

A volunteer for One Colorado holds messages to Colorado lawmakers asking them to pass a civil union bill that was introduced today.

All Democrats in the Senate are co-sponsors. The party is the majority and the bill will pass. The bill’s chances in the Republican controlled House remain to be seen.

Two House Democrats voted against a designated beneficiary bill in 2009. That law provides estate planning measures for non-married Coloradans. Supporters of the civil union bill will have to convince all three Republicans who supported the same measure if those Democrats vote against civil unions.

Denver Democrat Rep. Mark Ferrandino is the House sponsor. He said he has enough votes to pass the legislation if it clears the committee.

In the most detailed interview about the bill since December, when Steadman announced he’d introduce the legislation, Steadman said while each piece of the law is a critical protection for Colorado families, the bill unto itself is paramount.

The bill duplicates or expands on many of the protections laws in Colorado afford the GLBT community, but Steadman said, “Having a civil union bill is much more powerful.”

Steadman said the bill would establish more than new laws but equality for GLBT couples and families.

“The concept, the status, the dignity that comes from knowing your relationship is valued and included and treated equally for purposes of our stat law — there’s something bigger than any one of the benefits, protections or previsions of the bill,” Steadman said.

Steadman said the two most important provisions of the law are adoption and property rights.

If the bill is signed into law, couples in a civil union will be able to adopt jointly or add a partner as a stepparent, Steadman said.

Colorado already has a law allowing for a second parent adoption. However, it’s a costly step, Steadman said.

If a couple enters into a civil union and later decides to dissolve it, the partnership will be treated exactly like a divorce, Steadman said. The courts will follow the same statues and have the same powers rather a marriage or a civil union.

Steadman said at a press conference earlier in the day, legal dissolution could prevent one half of a gay or lesbian couple from being left homeless after a breakup.

Other protections under the new bill include institutional visitations rights, inheritance rights reciprocity and freedom of religion. The bill does not have a mandate for spousal health benefits. But, if passed, it would set-up a commission to examine the state’s tax code to see how a couple in a civil union should be taxed.

Colorado’s Amendment 43 defines marriage between a man and a woman. A domestic partnership referendum was defeated in 2006.

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One Colorado delivers “links of love” to lawmakers

State Sen. Pat Steadman and Rep. Mark Ferrandio on the north steps of the Capitol. Behind them are volunteers from state-wide GLBT organization One Colorado.

A state-wide GLBT advocacy organization delivered more than 1,000 valentines to Colorado lawmakers on Monday.

On the same day State Sen. Pat Steadman will introduce his civil union bill, One Colorado and a dozen volunteers — including cupid — showed up to the statehouse with a message: support all loving families.

If passed, Steadman’s bill would establish protections for thousands of committed gays and lesbians, said Jessica Cook Woodrum, spokeswoman for One Colorado.

“It’s our elected officials’ responsibilities to provide tools to all committed couples to take care of one another,” Cook Woodrum said.

Steadman and the House sponsor of the bill Rep. Mark Ferrandino, both Denver Democrats, were on hand for cupid’s capitol cameo.

Steadman said his bill provides a “full scope” of protections.

The bill is expected to clear the Senate where Democrats control the chamber. Republicans have a one-vote advantage in the House.

Ferrandino said he has enough votes to pass the bill in the House, but it must first clear a committee.

The representative said Speaker of the House Frank McNulty has promised a fair hearing for his bill.

“Every bill depends on the committee,” Cook Woodrum said. “One Colorado is committed to making it a reality.”

Ferrandino would not comment on what House Republicans have confirmed they’d vote for his version of the bill.

“We’ll leave it to them,” Ferrandino said. “But I’ve had private conversations.”

One Colorado has built a coalition of more than 70 organizations to lobby lawmakers. One Colorado had a goal of 100. Cook Woodrum said the advocacy group is still working on recruiting others but she believes the best lobbying will come from constituents.

A lobby day for the GLBT community is planned for Feb. 21.

BREAKING: Steadman to introduce civil union bill

State Senator Pat Steadman will have his civil union bill introduced at 2:15 p.m. today.

At that time the Senate President, Brandon Shaffer, will assign it to a committee. Most likely the Senate Judiciary committee.

Lady Gaga in pink wig for cover of Vogue!

Anna Wintour has officially crowned Lady Gaga the current icon of fasion by placing her on the cover of the March issue of American Vogue.  The Telegraph reports: “The avant-garde pop star and fashion muse was photographed by Mario Testino. On the cover she wears a blush-toned silk kimono robe by designer Haider Ackermann. The accompanying interview, for which writer Jonathan Van Meter accompanied Gaga on tour, speaks of the star being committed to the outrageous”.

Check out more Vogue photos of Gaga after the jump!

Daily Briefs: Friday, February 11, 2011

Here’s what’s happening in Denver and around the world:

• Egyptian Pres. Mubarak officially stepped down. Crowds cheered and the military has taken power. The real question: What’s next?
• The IMF wants to replace the dollar as the world’s reserve currency. The dollar has continued its decline and remains below the Euro.
• Blue Bell Ice Cream is coming to Denver. They will open a branch and distribution center employing about 20 people. Blue Bell will be available in stores here March 14.
• A porn film was filmed on a public Miami beach in broad daylight. City officials are not amused and a public memorial was caught in the film.
• Three 13-year-old boys raped a 13-year-old girl near Riverside, CA in a playground as she was walking home from school.
• The lack of a flight to the US dollar and Treasurys during the crisis in Egypt is a warning sign that investors are moving away from traditional American safety plays.

Image via

Death, taxes and equality: Steadman opens up on civil union bill

The sponsor of a bill that would establish civil unions in Colorado believes the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.

But that hasn’t stopped State Sen. Pat Steadman, D-Denver, from covering all of his bases.

Sen. Steadman

In the most detailed interview about the bill since December, when he announced he’d introduce the legislation, Steadman said while each piece of the law is a critical protection for Colorado families, the bill unto itself is paramount.

The bill duplicates or expands on many of the protections laws in Colorado afford the GLBT community, but Steadman said, “Having a civil union bill is much more powerful.”

Steadman said the bill would establish more than new laws but equality for GLBT couples and families.

“The concept, the status, the dignity that comes from knowing your relationship is valued and included and treated equally for purposes of our stat law — there’s something bigger than any one of the benefits, protections or previsions of the bill,” Steadman said.

The bill will be introduced either Feb. 14 or Feb. 15, the senator said.

Among the protections civil unions will cover, Steadman said, the two most important are adoption and property rights.

If the bill is passed, couples in a civil union will be able to adopt jointly or add a partner as a stepparent, Steadman said.

Colorado already has a law allowing for a second parent adoption. However, it’s a costly step, Steadman said.

“This is one of the major protections for families,” Steadman said. “Second parent adoption is complicated and expensive. This will be an immediate protection for kids and help low-income families who might not be able to afford it, otherwise.”

Feb. 11, the day the world split in two: Lady Gaga releases “Born This Way”

OK, maybe we’re over exaggerating, but Lady Gaga’s “Born this way,” may just be the anthem we’ve all be waiting for.

It’s empowering and POPPY!

Listen here:

Put your PAWS UP!

Ooo, there ain’t no other way
Baby, I was Born This Way
Baby, I was Born This Way
Ooo, there ain’t other way
Baby, I was Born-
I’m on the right track, baby
I was Born This Way

WINTER PARTY!!!

THE HOTTEST MUSIC… THE HOTTEST BODIES.. THE HOTTEST WINTER!

Tickets and Passes are on sale for all Winter Party Festival Events.

View the Winter Party Festival Promo

Don’t miss the hottest Winter Party Festival yet:

IGNITE: DJ Stephan Grondin makes his Winter Party debut with opening set
by local favorite DJ Drew Tribe.
Score Nightclub – Thursday, March 3 – 10pm – 5am

HELL & HEAVEN AT THE POOL: Chill by the Pool with the boys who are hotter than hell to the sounds of DJs Guga Rahner and André Queiroz of Brazil’s Hell & Heaven. Hotel guests admitted for free!
Poolside @ the DoubleTree Surfcomber Hotel – Friday, March 4 – 12 noon – 5pm

MERCURY RISING: DJ Abel returns with opening set by hot boyfriend DJs Dave & Gerardo.
Performing live: Erika Jayne (One Hot Pleasure, Pretty Mess).
Dolce – Friday, March 4 – 10pm – 5am

UNDER ONE SUN POOL PARTY: DJs Twisted Dee & Phil B go head to head as dueling DJs.
Hotel guests – 2 free admissions per room!
Poolside @ the DoubleTree Surfcomber Hotel – Saturday, March 5 – 12 noon – 6pm

MATINÉE @ WINTER PARTY FESTIVAL: DJ Taito Tikaro makes his Miami debut with a special warm-up set by DJ Theresa and a very special performance.
View the trailer
Paris Theater – Saturday, March 5 – 10pm -5am

SWEAT: DJ Eddie Baez spins the annual leather event in Wilton Manors.
Boom – Saturday, March 5 – 10pm – 3am

WINTER PARTY BEACH PARTY: DJ Alyson Calagna unlike you’ve ever heard her with opening set by the Palace’s DJ Charlmix.
Lummus Park @14th Street Beach, South Beach – Sunday, March 6 – 12pm – 6pm

BOILING POINT: CARNIVAL COMES TO WPF’11: DJs Hector Fonseca (International DJ/Producer), Brett Henrichsen (Masterbeat.com) and Danny LeBlack (Resident DJ at Space Ibiza (Café Ola) spinning at Boiling Point: CARNIVAL @ WPF’11 on Sunday, March 6, presented by MEGGA & BuBu Sao Paulo! Experience Brazil’s Carnival at Cameo, in Miami Beach with over-the-top production, décor,
lights and sound!
Cameo – Sunday, March 6 – 10pm – 5am

AFTERGLOW: A special after-hours set from DJ Joe Gauthreaux and DJ Eddie Elias.
Mekka – Monday, March 7 – 5am – ???

 

Upgrade Your Experience At Winter Party Festival with These Offers:

MERCURY RISING: Open Bar Upgrade
Dolce, the spectacular Ocean Drive venue that hosts our Friday night dance party, is offering something special to our guests who buy a ticket or pass that features Mercury Rising. For an additional $50,
you gain entry to Dolce’s exclusive White Room on the top level of the club, featuring a full open bar throughout the evening.

MATINÉE @ WINTER PARTY FESTIVAL: VIP Tickets & Experience Packages
VIP Tickets available and offer open bar from 10pm-2am and balcony viewing of the entire party.

Exclusive VIP packages are also available and include your own area overlooking the entire party with you and 10 friends, bottle service and a Matinée gear gift pack.

E-mail winterparty@theTaskForce.org for more information.

Denver will be only city to bid for Out Games 2015

Denver will be the only city placing a bid to host the 2014 North American Out Games.

A second city, Houston, decided to rescind its bid after they believed they could not host the games successfully, the president of the Gay and Lesbian International Sports Association North America chapter said.

Denver would be the first city in the U.S. to host the games. Vancouver is hosting the North American games this year. The next world Out Games will be in 2013.

The president, Greg Larocque, said he was excited for Denver, but warned the Mile High City is not a sure win for the Games. There are four criteria that must be met.

“It takes a lot of people to host the Games,” Larocque said. “Four years is not a really long time to plan.”

Denver’s bid committee, Team Colorado, must prove they can host the games, a humans right conference and provide cultural experiences for participants, Larocque said. The host organization must also prove they can raise about a million dollars — the cost to host the event.

Team Colorado must submit its bid by Feb. 15.

“I haven’t heard any whispers that it won’t happen,” Larocque said. “Things are moving forward.”

Larocque said once GLISA North America receives the bid, a committee of six will review it. A portion that committee will also visit Denver, speak with community members and other sports organizations.

Team Colorado is an umbrella organization for all GLBT sports organizations in the state.

Larocques said on thing the GLISA committee will look at is how the entire community is highlighted.

“There will be between 2,000 and 6,000 athletes and their families coming,” he said. “You have to get the whole city behind it.”

The last North American Out Games in Montreal contributed $96 million to the local economy, Larocques said.

Both Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper and Denver Mayor Bill Vidal have written letters in support of the Out Games coming to Denver.

Daily Briefs: Thursday, February 10, 2011

Here’s what’s happening in Denver and around the world:

• Egypt’s’ President Mubarak angered street protesters by not stepping down today and handing power to his deputy. Thousands in Cairo chanted “Leave, leave!” and speculation still surrounds whether he will resign soon.
• Sen. Michael Bennet wrote in a letter to President Obama today that he will propose the “Presidential Teachers Corps” to craft an army of 100,000 new mobile teachers in the next five years.
• Two Colorado 18-year-olds face child porn charges. The teens from Castle Rock and Highlands Ranch are charged with receiving and distributing illicit photos over the internet.
• Donald Trump is considering running for president of the US. He also appeared at CPAC, telling attendees Ron Paul could not win on the GOP ticket. He received cheers and boos.
• Republicans are proposing up to $100 billion in spending cuts. The GOP is facing anger from Tea Party supporters who demand federal spending to be brought lower.
• A Congressional Budget Office director says Pres. Obama’s healthcare law will kill 800,000 jobs in the US. The shocking number was revealed today during a House Budget Committee meeting.

Image via

Colorado Sheriff’s Lt. Resigns After Anti-Gay Posts

A 13-year veteran of the Douglas County Sheriff’s Department resigned after posting hundreds of racist and anti-gay comments on www.thedenverchannel.com using his county computer.

Lt. Jeff Egnor resigned Tuesday and Undersheriff Tony Spurlock says: “A large portion of it was very shocking and inappropriate racial comments, homophobic comments, statements of that nature,” Spurlock said. “Our message is while you’re here we want you to do your job and serve the community the very best that you can. If you have concerns politically, what happens in the world, you have to do it in an appropriate way and not relate it to this county sheriff’s office.”

Egnor used the ridiculous screen name “Abu Mybutt” to say Democrats are ruining America, mock Governor Hickenlooper, accuse liberals of destroying the nation, call on Carmelo Anthony to be sent back to the hood, and comment on religious leaders.

He also commented on police shootings using his county computer as well as mocking the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”.  On Dec. 20, 2010, he posted: “New miltary slogans: The few, the queer, the Marines! Butt Rangers lead the way! Be as gay as you can be! Aim for a high hard one, Air Force! Join the Navy, see naked men!”

Egnor also posted his idea of immigration reform included his shotgun. On some days, Egnor posted more than a dozen times causing police to investigate his performance and how much he was actually working. Using county computers for anything other than work purposes is a violation of Douglas County policy.

Egnor has blocked the archive of his comments and changed his screen name to “The Truth Hurts”.

German Soccer Star Tells Gay Players To Come Out

Star German goalkeeper Manuel Neuler thinks gay players should come out of the closet and “take a load off their minds”.

sport24 reports the high profile soccer player, who helped Germany finished third in the World Cup last year, said:

“And the fans would get over it quickly. What is important to them, is the performances on the pitch of the player, not his sexual preferences.”

The 24-year-old hottie is one of the very few voices in the soccer world calling for gay players to be open. Homosexuality has remained hush-hush among footballers worldwide and many have complained anonymously about how hard it is to hide their sexuality.

Hopefully soccer players worldwide and in the US will listen to Manuel’s plea and come out. Not only will it be encouraging to other gay soccer players across the globe, but can you imagine the incredibly hot gay footballer calendars?

Daily Briefs: Wednesday, February 9, 2011

Here’s what’s happening in Denver and around the world:

• A pregnant 19-year-old Colorado woman accidentally took an abortion drug after receiving the wrong prescription from a local Safeway store. She was taken to the hospital and her mother says they will have to “wait and see” what happens.
• Simon Cowell is hinting that Paula Abdul could be a judge on X Factor this fall. The winner of X Factor will receive $5 million over 5 years on top of any recording/promotion costs.
• Janet Napolitano says the terror threat in the US is the highest since 9/11. She also says terror has evolved to include a threat from homegrown radicalism and US residents and citizens.
• Lindsey Lohan could face more jail time for stealing a $2500 necklace from an upscale jewelry store. The tragic movie star is still on probation for a 2007 DUI and can’t steem to stay out of trouble.
• The Tea Party is launching its own magazine to combat the liberal media. The magazine will launch at CPAC and will be led by Editor Steven Allen.
• Boston is considering a smoking ban in parks and beaches in the city. Really?
• Apple Inc. has started manufacturing a new version of its iPad tablet computer with a built-in camera and faster processor, said people familiar with the matter. The new iPad will be thinner and lighter than the first.
• Say hello to Generation Net. They are being called the first generation ever to prefer their virtual lives over real life. They can be exactly who they want to be, and when it stops being fun you just quit.

Image via

Same-sex marriage supporters buys $10 million in TV ads

An organization pushing same-sex marriage has announced a $10 million ad campaign “Why Marriage Matters.”

The aim for the public education campaign sponsored by Freedom to Marry is to increase support for marriage equality over the next three years, The Advocate reports.

The magazine said the effort will be the largest of its kind and will begin Feb. 14, Valentine’s Day. The commercials will air on CNN.

According to a news release, “Freedom to Marry analyzed over 85 data-sets representing 6 years of research to develop messages that are proven to be effective in swaying public opinion around marriage. In particular, the data showed that people who have had conversations with their gay and lesbian friends about why marriage matters to them are more likely to support the freedom to marry. By shifting the conversation from a focus on rights to a conversation about shared values of love and commitment, support for the freedom to marry grows. In partnership with local and state groups, the Why Marriage Matters campaign will include a variety of mixed media advertising, including TV, radio, and online ads.”

One of the ads is here:

Lady Starlight to join Rockstar Aaron for his birthday Feb. 11

You’ve heard of Lady Gaga.

But you might not have heard of Lady Starlight.

If you haven’t — you will now.

The rocking DJ from New York, is not only Lady Gaga’s DJ, but she’s also her BFF. And while Gaga’s shadow is a big one, Starlight is breaking out and creating a name all on her own. A tabloid favorite and staple of New York night life, Starlight is unmistakably a force to reckon with. And soon, the Mile High City will see why. Starlight will perform a guest set with Denver’s darling Rockstar Aaron at his birthday party, Feb. 11 at Bar Standard.

Before she heads to Denver, she answered some of our questions:

For those who aren’t familiar with you or your work, tell us a little bit about yourself?

 

I’m an artist on work release from the future.

Is this your first Denver appearance?

In a reality, outside of Gaga’s Monster Ball — yes.

What are you most looking forward to in Mile High City?

Making it to the Mile High City!

You’re Lady Gaga’s DJ. What does that mean to you? How have you collaborated with her?

I’m actually not Lady Gaga’s DJ — I’m Lady Gaga’s favorite DJ.  She wanted me on the Monster Ball tour to share her passions with her fans.

Gaga and I are soul partners. We transmit cosmic inspirations from the universe into pop culture.

We’ve heard you like a lot of rock when you DJ. What can we expect?

I exclusively spin heavy metal and rock on original vinyl . You can expect rock that actually sounds good.

Fratmen.com Porn Star on MTV’s Real World

Producers of the MTV hit must be missing the glory days when The Real World was the hottest reality show around. Not only are they returning to Las Vegas (the most-watched season of RW ever) for their 25th season, they have casted 24-year-old Dustin Zito, who has performed as “Spencer” on the NSFW porn website Fratmen.com.

He is way hot, but usually making out with a girl in the trailer above. But the clip gives a solid clue at the end when a female castmate tells Zito, “You got taped having sex. It’s all over the internet”.

Based on the trailer above, we can all look forward to a 25th season of drunk young people having sex and making complete fools of themselves before signing up to be on the next season of Real World/Road Rules Challenge. Will you be watching Real World Las Vegas 2?

Sarah Palin: Gays SHOULD Be at CPAC, But She Won’t Be

This is one of the most convoluted answers to a question I have ever seen or heard. It seems Sarah Palin is becoming more random and unable to formulate sentences with time. She has money, so why won’t she hire a speech coach? She isn’t new anymore. There is no excuse for her insane rambling everytime someone asks her a question.

Christian Broadcasting Network asked her a simple question regarding the participation of LGBT Republican group GOProud participating in the CPAC conference. Many conservatives are boycotting the event because of the inclusion of GOProud and Sarah Palin announced she would not attend either.

However, she says the reason she will not make it is a time issue and that she has never attended any CPAC event. She goes on to suggest the involvement of GOProud will probably be a good thing for the conservative convention because it will “provide good information and balance”. Watch her fumble through her answer below.

Sarah Palin, posted with vodpod

 

Tune Tuesday: Where are they now? edition

One of Denver’s favorite DJs from days gone by, Jim Barker or DJ Chaotic, has relocated to the big apple. And he’s been blogging for MoxieQ. A website for girls written by gay men. He’s in charge of their music section. And today, your tunes are brought to you by his ears.

Chaotic says of his favorite new tune “Something to Die For”:

Something to Die For is the type of track I melt for. It fits with the current dance-a-licious state of pop music, but adds the New Wave electronic rock sound that The Sounds have been known for. The song is directed towards a lover (not groundbreaking territory for a pop track), but the lyrics are so much more substantial and clever than most of what’s flooding radio right now. Take a listen and have a gander at the lyrics.