Date: Thu, 05 Jun 97 20:53:32 EST From: "NGLTF" Subject: Colorado's Romer Vetoes Marriage Ban Bill Contact: Mark F. Johnson, Media Director mfjohnson@ngltf.org 202/332-6483 x3314 Pager 1-800/757-6476 2320 17th Street NW, Washington, DC 20009 http://www.ngltf.org ============================================================= COLORADO GOVERNOR ROMER VETOES MARRIAGE BAN BILL FOR SECOND TIME; SAYS MEASURE IS UNNECESSARY Washington, DC---June 5, 1997---Colorado Governor Roy Romer for the second year straight, gave a thumbs down response to a state measure that would ban same-gender marriage. In a message announcing his veto of the bill, the Governor said that the bill was unnecessary and that the institution of marriage in Colorado is "safe" without it. Governor Romer also appointed a commission on the Rights and Responsibilities of Same Sex Relationships to review and evaluate the legal and policy issues involved in recognizing same-gender relationships. He called upon the bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of the state to chair the commission. The legislation vetoed by Governor Romer late Thursday afternoon would have invalidated marriages between two members of the same sex performed in other states and would have made it illegal to issue a marriage license to same gender couples in Colorado. "For the second year in a row, Governor Romer has stood up for gay, lesbian and bisexual people by vetoing the marriage ban," said Kerry Lobel, executive director of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force (NGLTF). "This is not only a show of support from the governor of an important western state, it is also a statement from the general chair of the Democratic National Committee. We urge Governor Romer to provide key leadership to his democratic colleagues and other governors on this issue." Currently, same gender marriage is not legal anywhere in the country. Since 1995, 23 states have passed marriage-ban legislation. Florida and Indiana were the last two states to do so. Indiana Governor Frank O'Bannon signed the measure in mid-May. The Florida anti-marriage bill became law without Governor Lawton Chile's signature, reflecting his misgivings about the bill. Minnesota Governor Arne Carlson also signed a marriage ban bill this week. Proposed bans remain active in 13 state legislatures. -30- The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force is the oldest national gay and lesbian group and is a progressive organization that has supported grassroots organizing and pioneered in national advocacy since 1973. Since its inception, NGLTF has been at the forefront of virtually every major initiative for lesbian and gay rights. In all its efforts, NGLTF helps to strengthen the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender movement at the state level while connecting these activities to a national vision for change. _________________________________________ This message was issued by the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Media Department. If you have any questions regarding this post, please direct them to one of the contacts at the top of this message If you wish to UNSUBSCRIBE from this list, please send an email with "UNSUBSCRIBE PRESSLIST" in the subject and body of your email message to .