Colorado Senate passed civil unions: 23 - 12

Via SDGLN.com:

The Colorado Senate approved a civil-unions bill today that now goes to the House, where it is expected to face a tougher battle.

Senate Bill 172, sponsored by openly gay Sen. Pat Steadman, D-Denver, passed the Democratic-controlled Senate by a vote of 23-12. Three Republicans voted for the bill, along with all the Democrats in the Senate.

As noted yesterday, the Colorado House is controlled by the Republicans. But, as evidenced by the Senate result, there is GOP support for this legislation. If the bill can get to the House floor (and not get waylaid in committee), our sources think there's a good chance it could pass.