The Facts on Referendum I: Domestic Partnerships
The referendum does NOT authorize gay marriage. Rather, it fixes a hole in state law by clarifying the legal status of committed
Referendum I simply provides committed couples with basic, common sense, legal protections and responsibilities, including the right to visit a partner in the hospital, make decisions for an incapacitated partner, make funeral arrangements, direct nursing home care and secure basic property and inheritance rights.
It creates a binding, legal agreement between a committed couple to provide the basic responsibilities that they are currently denied.
- Thousands of committed Colorado couples are not guaranteed the ability or the responsibility to make decisions regarding medical treatment for one another.
- Thousands of committed Colorado couples are not currently guaranteed the right to make funeral arrangements for a deceased partner.
- Thousands of committed couples lack access to heath insurance benefits through a partner’s place of business.
- Referendum I would also help protect children by ensuring that the courts enforce the responsibility of same-sex partners to pay alimony and child support.