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The latest on the Key Bridge collapse, New York puts forth legislation to get clean energy projects on the grid and Wisconsin and other states join a federal summer food program to help feed kids across the country.

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Republicans float conspiracy theories on the collapse of Baltimore's Key Bridge, South Carolina's congressional elections will use a map ruled unconstitutional, and the Senate schedules an impeachment trial for Homeland Secretary Mayorkas.

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Historic wildfires could create housing and health issues for rural Texans, a Kentucky program helps prison parolees start a new life, and descendants of Nicodemus, Kansas celebrate the Black settlers who journeyed across the 1870s plains seeking self-governance.

"One of a Kind" CO Equal Rights Law Starts Today

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Wednesday, July 1, 2009   

DENVER - A new law that goes into effect today in Colorado is being praised as an alternative approach to equal rights. It gives unmarried couples and individuals some of the same rights that are automatic for married couples.

Recently-seated state Senator Pat Steadman is a supporter of the so-called "designated beneficiaries law," and the benefits he says it gives to same sex couples, straight unmarried couples and individuals.

"Things like medical decision-making in times of medical emergency or end-of-life decisions, probate issues, estate planning issues."

Steadman points out that laws already on the books make these things very convenient - and often, automatic - for married couples. Now, Coloradans can simply fill out a designated beneficiaries form to state their own preferences. While some have referred to it as a "gay rights law," Steadman says it actually applies much more broadly, and does not see it as anything close to a same-sex marriage or civil unions law.

"Whether you're related by blood or you're a same-sex couple, or you're just two friends that want to do this so you know who will be there for you. This is going to be a very significant protection for people who currently have been excluded, and I'm looking forward to signing one of these pieces of paper with my partner and filing that with the Denver County clerk."

Some opponents have said the measure is a stepping stone to redefining marriage, but Steadman says Colorado has taken a unique, middle-ground approach instead.



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