February 17, 2014 04:02 PM UTC

LGBT Equality "Baby Step" Wins Final Passage

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• by: Colorado Pols

AP via the Denver Post:

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.

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.

A press release from Colorado House Democrats Friday celebrated initial passage of Senate Bill 14-019:

SB14-019, sponsored in the House by Reps. Joann Ginal (D-Fort Collins) and Dominick Moreno (D-Commerce City), amends state law to direct legally married same-sex couples living in Colorado to file their state taxes in the same way they file their federal taxes.

Rep. Moreno got a laugh when he asked the House, “What could be more romantic on Valentine’s Day than asking someone to joint-file your taxes?” Joking aside, he added, “Same sex couples share their income and share their expenses. Why not let them file jointly?”

For what it's worth, here are GOP Rep. Bob Gardner and ex-House Speaker Frank McNulty with the GOP's answer:

Despite their studious objections, the bill is now headed to Gov. John Hickenlooper's desk.