Colorado Senate panel approves civil unions for same-sex couples

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The Colorado Senate Judiciary Committee on Wednesday approved legislation to allow gay and lesbian couples to form civil unions.

The bill was approved by a 3 to 2 party-line vote. It is expected to pass the Democrat-led Colorado legislature and be signed into law by Democratic Gov. John Hickenlooper.

“And we’re off! Civil unions just passed the Senate Judiciary Committee. The bill will now move on to the Senate Appropriations Committee,” the group Colorado One said. “All of us at OC are in awe of everything our supporters have done to help us get to today’s victory. Thousands and thousands of folks have already gotten involved to help make sure that 2013 is our year. We can’t thank you enough for helping us start this legislative session off with a big win.”

Colorado voted to amend the state constitution in 2006 to define marriage as solely a union between one man and one woman.