Civil unions in Colorado are a legally recognized way for couples to form a committed relationship, but they do not receive the same federal recognition as marriage. This lack of recognition can have significant consequences for couples in terms of their legal rights and protections.
In 2013, Colorado passed a law allowing for civil unions between same-sex couples, making it one of the first states to do so through legislation rather than a court ruling. The law provides many of the same legal benefits as marriage, such as the ability to make medical decisions for one’s partner, inherit property, and receive spousal benefits.