FILE - In this May 1, 2013 file photo, Denver Mayor Michael Hancock, left, performs a civil union vows ceremony for Sonja Semion, center left, and her partner Courtney Law at the Webb Municipal Building in Denver. Polls find a solid majority nationwide favoring gay marriage, and a series of new laws and court victories has led to 17 states permitting it. But in Colorado this year, the discussion at the statehouse revolves around a proposal to allow a couple in a civil union to file taxes jointly as if they were married. (AP Photo/Brennan Linsley, File)

DENVER | Gay couples in Colorado who are married in another state and in a civil union here could file joint state tax returns under a measure headed to the governor’s desk.

Michael Hancock, Sonja Semion, Courtney Law

The Colorado House passed the measure Monday on a largely party-line vote with Democrats in favor. The bill already cleared the Senate so it’s now up to Democratic Gov. John Hickenlooper to decide whether to sign it.

The measure requires gay couples in a civil union to file their Colorado taxes using the same filing status on their federal tax return if they are married in another state.

Republicans argued the state measure undermines Colorado’s constitutional ban on gay marriage. Democrats say the legislation is meant to align with updated federal tax law.

Senate Bill 19: https://bit.ly/1jnHRHN

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