State Senate expecting final vote on civil unions

By The AP
Monday, February 11, 2013

DENVER — The Colorado Senate is preparing to take what could be the chamber’s final vote on civil unions for same-sex couples.

The chamber planned a final vote Monday to send the measure to the House. It would be the third time the Colorado Senate has approved the legal recognition for gay partners.

Monday’s vote is expected to be the curtain call for civil unions in the state Senate. That’s 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 bans gay marriage.