Focus on the Family backs nonmarital benefits

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — Focus on the Family, a group known for its opposition to gay “marriage,” is supporting a proposed Colorado bill that would benefit gay couples and other adults seeking benefits outside a traditional marital relationship. The bill, introduced by Republican state Sen. Shawn Mitchell, calls for the creation of “reciprocal beneficiary agreements” that would extend specific rights to two unmarried persons such as health care insurance benefits. Mitchell’s bill would also permit them to be involved in medical decisions, joint property ownership and some decisions made at the time of death, such as disposition of remains.

Jim Pfaff, a state policy analyst for the Colorado Springs-based conservative Christian organization, said Focus on the Family supports this bill because it helps a range of individuals and does not give special recognition to gay couples. He cited the example of two elderly women living together and sharing their Social Security benefits. “This is not a pro-gay bill,” he said. Pfaff said his organization also supports an initiative that would amend the state constitution to declare that marriage is between a man and a woman.  (TAB)