Vote to pass a bill that authorizes civil unions, effective September 1, 2011.
Highlights:
Authorizes two adults to enter into a civil union, regardless of gender (Sec. 2).
Prohibits parties from entering into a civil union under the following conditions (Sec. 2):
One or both of the parties are married to another person;
One or both of the parties are in a civil union with another person;
The parties are related to each other; or
One or both of the parties are under 18 years of age.
Specifies that the members of a civil union are granted the same benefits, protections, and responsibilities that are granted to spouses in a marriage, including, but not limited to, the following (Sec. 2):
Financial support;
Workers' compensation benefits;
Adoption law and procedure;
State employee group benefit plans;
Domestic abuse programs; and
Decisions relating to medical care.
Defines “marriage” as the legally recognized union of one man and one woman (Sec. 2).
Specifies that officials of religious institutions or denominations are not required to certify a civil union (Sec. 2).
Specifies that civil unions, domestic partnerships, or “substantially” similar legal relationships from other jurisdictions are considered a civil union in Colorado (Sec. 2).