July 10, 2008

CoCRI URGES VOTERS NOT TO SIGN INITIATIVE #82;
MOVE COMES AFTER AUDIO RECORDING OF PETITION CIRCULATOR FRAUD

DENVER — The Colorado Civil Rights Initiative (Amendment #46) has obtained an audio recording of a petition circulator for a competing effort, Initiative #82, attempting to deceive a potential voter about the effects of both initiatives. At a press conference today, CoCRI leaders warned voters not to sign #82 petitions before getting the facts on both initiatives.

The recording, obtained and available from Face The State (www.FaceTheState.com), is of a July 3rd conversation between an undercover Face The State reporter and a paid Fieldworks petition circulator at the King Soopers at 9th and Corona in Denver.

Face The State's audio records a female petition circulator spreading several false claims. Specifically, she falsely asserts that Amendment #46, if passed, would bring quotas to Colorado. She also falsely suggests that battered women's shelters would be abolished upon #46's passage and that it would apply to the private sector.

In truth, #46 only applies to the public sector, it would abolish any quotas, and would keep all outreach programs in tact as long as such programs were open to individuals of all races and both genders. The proposal also provides a clear exception for sex-specific employment or programs when such provisions are required for public health or safety. For the full text of #46, see www.ColoradoCRI.org.

"All along we've sought an honest conversation about the future of race and gender in Colorado," said Jessica Peck Corry, CoCRI's executive director. "This recording proves what we've known for months: Our opposition will stop at nothing to confuse and mislead voters. Voters should just say no to Initiative 82."

In addition to the July 3rd recording, CoCRI has received several credible complaints about circulator deception at other locations. Senate Minority Leader Andy McElhany was approached by a #82 circulator at a Colorado Spring grocery store who falsely alleged that #46 would end mandated mammogram coverage by Colorado health insurance companies.

July 3rd audio and audio transcript is available at www.FaceTheState.com.

--CoCRI--