Colorado Senate Passes Civil Unions Bill 21-14

Good news from Colorado! As expected, for the second time in as many legislative sessions, the Colorado State Senate has passed a civil unions bill. In 2011, the Republicans killed the same legislation in the State House and killed it again in 2012.

This year, however, as a result of the November 2012 elections the Speaker of the House is now an openly gay man, Mark Ferrandino, and the lower chamber is firmly in Democratic control. The bill is expected to pass the House and then be signed into law by Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper.

DENVER - A bill granting civil unions to same-sex Colorado couples has cleared the state Senate for the third and possibly final time.

The Senate approved civil unions 21-14 without debate Monday. All Democrats voted for the legal recognition for gay partners. Republican Sen. Ellen Roberts of Durango joined them. The other 14 Republicans voted against the measure.

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Monday's vote will likely be the curtain call for civil unions in the State Senate because the House is now under Democratic control and is likely to approve the measure, sending it to the governor's desk. Democratic Gov. John Hickenlooper has said he plans to sign civil unions into law.

Civil unions would grant gay couples rights similar to marriage. More than a dozen states allow either civil unions or gay marriage. Colorado's constitution currently bans gay marriage.

Hat/tip to Joe.M.God