Colorado's House just gave final approval to SB-11, the Colorado Civil Union Act, on its third reading in a 39-26 vote.
All Democrats and Republican Representatives Cheri Gerou and Carole Murray voted in favor of the legislation, according to LGBT rights group One Colorado.
Said Brad Clark, Executive Director of One Colorado, in a release:
“This historic victory belongs to the thousands of committed couples across the state, who have worked tirelessly for three years to make it possible for all loving families to have the protection they need to take care of one another. Across the country, we've seen a sea change in public opinion on this issue. A vast majority of Coloradans support providing committed same-sex couples with the security they need, and these fair-minded folks are glad to see civil unions finally passed."
One Colorado adds: "SB-11 includes commonsense exemptions for faith leaders to ensure they're never required to perform or certify a civil union. Despite some faith-based opposition to the bill, the coalition advocating for civil unions includes more than 200 faith leaders.
Said the Rev. Nancy Bowen, executive of the Mountain Desert District of the Unitarian Universalist Association: "As a faith leader, I celebrate the passage of civil unions. We believe that our congregations should honor all that is holy and what is more holy than love? Civil unions protect our religious freedom to recognize the unions of all loving couples in our congregations. We are honored to stand with the legislature on the side of love."