Thursday, Denver Mayoral Candidates James Mejia and Doug Linkhart issued statements endorsing the civil unions bill currently making its uncertain way through the Legislature. They join fellow candidate Chris Romer who issued a similar statement earlier this week.

Mejia said:

“One day all families in this country will have true equal rights, protections and obligations. One day all Americans will have their relationships recognized in times of need, will have the right to adopt and the ability to protect and provide for their children. I fully support SB-172 currently under consideration in our Legislature. It is a step in the right direction for families of Colorado. Furthermore, if elected Mayor, I will continue to be a strong voice in the communities of color where the discussions of civil unions have been too difficult for too long.”

Mejia gave credit to Denver Democrats Sen. Pat Steadman and Rep. Mark Ferrandino, and Brad Clark of One Colorado, and the LGBTQ community for the support enjoyed by the bill so far.

Linkhart issued this statement:

“Recently, we have seen substantial movements toward equality in the United States for lesbian, gay, and bisexual Americans. Today, in Denver, Senate Bill 172 allowing for civil unions between same gender partners just cleared its second committee hearing.

“I strongly support equal recognition under the law for all Coloradans. It’s a matter of simple humanity. All persons are born with the right to fall in love and share their life with another person. This bill is a step in the right direction. Allowing same gender couples to enumerate property rights with a partner and involving a partner during medical treatment is simply compassionate.

“As your next Mayor, I will be a local, state, and national advocate for full marriage rights for all citizens. It was Martin Luther King, Jr., who once said, ‘All men are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality.’ I understand our system will not truly reflect our values until our government is just to everyone.”