The highly anticipated civil unions bill in Colorado has officially passed.
The Colorado General Assembly passed the Colorado Civil Union Act on Tuesday, granting gay and lesbian couples the legal benefits, protections and responsibilities that are granted to married spouses under state law.
The bill passed the Senate last month 21-14, and on Tuesday, passed in the House 39-26 followed by an eruption of applause, making it the 18th state in the nation to offer comprehensive benefits to same-sex couples, including the nine states, plus Washington D.C. that practice marriage equality.
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“We really do stand on the edge of history,” Rep. Pete Lee said, according to the Associated Press. “For some in this chamber, this is the reason why we are here.”
A far cry from the constitutional ban of 2006 against same-sex marriage, Gov. John Hickenlooper, a fierce ally for marriage equality, is expected to sign it into law later today and will go into effect on May 1.
“The Colorado legislature has taken a definitive step forward in the march toward equality,” says HRC President Chad Griffin. “The passage of civil unions in the Centennial State is further proof that full equality for committed and loving gay and lesbian couples is in sight. From now on LGBT couples in Colorado will no longer be legal strangers in the eyes of their state, but rather recognized and supported by the law.”
Photo: coloradopeakpolitics.com
