Colorado's First Civil Unions Captured in Emotional Film: VIDEO

The LGBT group One Colorado yesterday released a gorgeous look back at May 1, a historic night in the state when more than 100 couples had their relationships legally recognized for the first time as the state's civil union law took effect.

The clip was created by digital filmmaker Oaken Beeson.

Watch, AFTER THE JUMP...

Hundreds of Gay and Lesbian Couples Get Civil Unions as Colorado's Law Takes Effect: VIDEO

Colorado's civil unions law went into effect at 12:01 am last night and hundreds of couples were lined up to celebrate and take part in the state's first legal recognition of their relationships.

The Denver Post reports:

Mayor Michael Hancock performed many of the first ceremonies, along with U.S. Rep. Diana DeGette, D-Denver, municipal judges and religious officiants at multiple stations to move through the crowd in the early morning hours.

Fran and Anna Simon, who have campaigned for same-sex marriage and civil unions for years, were the first in Denver to get a license and the first to have a ceremony.

Shutters snapped, lights flashed and TV cameramen jockeyed for space as the couples made their way through the Webb Building's glassy atrium. People crowded thick around them, like a scene from the red carpet on Oscar night.

Above, the Simons (with son Jeremy), the first couple to get a civil union in Denver.

Watch local news reports and see a few more photos, AFTER THE JUMP...

(photos jon monteith one colorado)

Colorado Governor Hickenlooper Signs Civil Union Bill into Law

(image shannon haltiwanger - twitter)

Governor John Hickenlooper signed Colorado's civil union bill into law this afternoon at the History Colorado Center, the Denver Post reports:

House Speaker Mark Ferrandino, a gay Denver Democrat who backed the bill, said in prepared remarks:

"With the Governor's signature here today, the protection of Colorado's laws will now extend equally to all. Thousands of Colorado families will now be able to receive the recognition they deserve. "Ladies and gentlemen, the Colorado sun now warms all our people."

Brad Clark, Executive Director of One Colorado, released the following statement:

“In every corner of Colorado, same-sex couples have been waiting for 10, 20, and sometimes even 40 years to have access to critical legal protections that can help protect their families. Now, they finally do -- thanks to the courage and leadership of Governor Hickenlooper and our state lawmakers. This historic victory belongs to the thousands of loving, committed couples across the state who have worked tirelessly for years to make it possible for their families, and all families, to have these important legal safeguards. For them, this moment was long overdue. But today, we also know that our work is not yet finished; our journey to full equality is not complete. Like so many others here in Colorado and across the country, I grew up with the hope of one day falling in love and making a lifelong promise to the one I love. We know that this promise is called marriage — not civil unions.

"While our state has an amendment from 2006 that prohibits same-sex couples from marrying, in the time that has passed, Colorado voters have shown they are ready for a conversation about the freedom to marry. Polls show that a majority of Coloradans support marriage for same-sex couples — part of a broader and undeniable shift in public opinion that we've seen across the country. Moving forward, as more and more Americans consider what it means to extend the freedom to marry to all loving, committed couples, we look forward to beginning an important conversation with Coloradans about why marriage matters to all families — straight and gay alike.”

'Denver Post' Surveys Readers on Decision to Run Photo of Gay House Speaker Kissing Partner After Civil Union Bill Passage

The Denver Post is polling its readers about running the above photo by their photographer Craig Walker of House Speaker Mark Ferrandino kissing his partner Greg Wertsch after passage of the civil unions bill in Colorado.

But getting even more commentary than the poll is the headline they originally accompanied the survey with, which now reads:

"Picture of Mark Ferrandino kissing partner shows the truth, even if it offends some"

Here's how the questionnaire was originally positioned:

Update 3:28 p.m.: After reading the comments, I’m altering the headline from “no matter how objectionable,” to “even if it offends some.” I’ve certainly dealt with some callers who are upset with the use of the photo, but my intent was not to label the photo (or the act) objectionable. As I’ve often said, everyone needs an editor, and I appreciate the comments. — Lin

Kudos to the Director of Newsroom Ops for changing it. Folks will also be happy to know that the comments are overwhelmingly in support of the photo, the couple, and pro-equality.

Colorado House Gives Final Approval to Civil Unions in 39-26 Vote: Governor Will Sign into Law

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."

Colorado House Approves Civil Union Bill in Bipartisan Vote; Outcome Not in Doubt for Final Vote Tomorrow

Colorado is poised to approve  SB-11, the Colorado Civil Union Act, in a final recorded vote on Tuesday after an initial vote approving it today, the Denver Post reports:

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 is expected to sign the bill into law this month; it would be implemented May 1.

"This bill is about three simple things," Ferrandino said at the start of the debate. "It's about love, it's about family, and it's about equality under the law."

Said Brad Clark, Executive Director of LGBT rights group One Colorado following the vote:

"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. “cross 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. We applaud the bipartisan group of Representatives and Senators who voted to affirm that all families are worthy of respect."

The Senate has already passed the bill. Governor John Hickenlooper has promised to sign it.