At 12:01 AM local time Colorado became the eighth state to offer civil unions to same-sex couples. To celebrate, Denver and Boulder’s municipal buildings opened their doors and began issuing certificates. Denver Mayor Michael Hancock was on hand to officiate.
“Fran and Anna Simon were the first to receive a civil union certificate,” The Washington Post reported:
Wearing the white wedding dresses they wore at their commitment ceremony seven years ago and joined by their five-year-old son Jeremy, Fran and Anna received their license from a clerk at 12:02 a.m., following an expectant countdown to midnight led by other couples. Minutes later they were joined in a ceremony officiated by Denver Mayor Michael Hancock.
“Our commitment doesn’t change, but we will have a burden lifted off our shoulders,†Anna Simon said. “Loving and committed couples need legal protections.â€
The statewide advocacy group One Colorado hosted the festivities, and the Denver clerk’s office remained open until 3 a.m. to issue civil union licenses to couples eager to take advantage of their rights under the new law.
Congratulations to all the couples, and to all of Colorado.
Image, top: Mayor Hancock and first couple Fran and Anna Simon. Bottom image: Fran and Anna Simon with son Jeremy. All images via Jon Monteith of OneColorado