What problem, exactly, is Pam Rhodes trying to correct?  Rhodes, a state representative from Thornton, is sponsoring a bill (HB-1356) that would forbid the listing of two intimate partners of the same sex as parents on birth certificates.

In about 45 instances, two same-sex partners have been listed as parents on birth certificates in Colorado. These certificates have been issued primarily in Boulder County and to predominantly lesbian couples.

The courts have held that people who are not biologically related to a child can assume parental rights. For the children, this can be significant. For instance, the non-biological parent, if legally recognized, could provide children with health insurance or Social Security benefits. If you care about kids, allowing same-sex partners to be legally recognized as parents is humane.

Clearly, Rhodes and her supporters believe homosexuality is wrong and that non-biological homosexual parents should not be condoned by law. But their discomfort with other people's sexuality doesn't rise to the level of a legislative mandate.

Rhodes' bill passed a House committee last week and is now before the full House. There, the birth-certificate bill should die.
 

Boulder Daily Camera editorial (3-25-2002)