Colorado: state House gives initial approval to Civil Union Act

The Denver Post is reporting that SB-11, the Colorado Civil Union Act, is basically a done deal as the state House today gave initial approval to the bill.

House Speaker Mark Ferrandino ferociously defended the right of gay couples to form civil unions, arguing during a lengthy debate Monday that Republicans' attempts to amend his bill amounted to promoting discrimination.

"I don't ask to put your relationships up to a vote of the people," he said.

The House gave initial approval to Senate Bill 11 and will take a formal, recorded vote Tuesday on the measure, which already has passed the Senate. Democrats control the House 37-28, so the outcome is not in doubt.

At least two Republicans support the measure: Cheri Gerou of Evergreen and Carole Murray of Castle Rock.

"What this bill is about is personal freedom and individual liberties," Gerou said. "This is a good conservative bill."

Gov. John Hickenlooper has already stated he plans to sign the bill should it reach his desk. The law would go into effect May 1.