Civil Unions Bill to be Introduced in Colorado

Colorado state senator Pat Steadman plans to introduce a bill next year to legalize civil unions in the state.

According to the Denver Post, "Steadman, who is gay, said he expects his proposal to pass the Democratic-controlled Senate, but he's not sure what kind of reception the idea will get in the Republican-controlled House."

Although House speaker-elect Rep. Frank McNulty predicted a negative response to the bill, his Republicans only hold a slim 33-32 majority. Steadman, a Democrat, said that he believes the fate of the bill depends on what committee is assigned to hear it.

In 2006, Coloradans passed a constitutional amendment against marriage equality. That same year, voters also rejected a referendum that would have granted many of the same rights as marriage to same-sex couples.

However, a poll this year showed that 72% of Coloradans support "legal recognition" for same-sex couples, according to the Post.