§ 14-15-102 — Legislative declaration

The general assembly declares that the
purpose of this article 15 is to provide eligible couples the opportunity to obtain the
benefits, protections, and responsibilities afforded by Colorado law to spouses
consistent with the principles of equality under law and religious freedom
embodied in both the United States constitution and the constitution of this state.
The general assembly declares that a second purpose of the act is to protect
individuals who are or may become partners in a civil union against discrimination in
employment, housing, and in places of public accommodation. The general
assembly further finds that the general assembly, in the exercise of its plenary
power, has the authority to define other arrangements, such as a civil union
between two unmarried persons regardless of their gender, and to set forth in
statute any state-level benefits, rights, and protections to which a couple is entitled
by virtue of entering into a civil union. The general assembly finds that the
Colorado Civil Union Act does not alter the public policy of this state. The general
assembly also declares that a third purpose in enacting the Colorado Civil Union
Act is to state that Colorado courts may offer same-sex couples the equal
protection of the law and to give full faith and credit to recognize relationships
legally created in other jurisdictions that are similar to civil unions created by this
article 15.

Legislative History

Source: L. 2013: Entire article added, (SB 13-011), ch. 49, p. 147, � 1, effective May 1. L. 2025: Entire section amended, (SB 25-014), ch. 51, p. 226, � 2, effective April 7.