The Colorado Senate State, Veterans and Military Affairs Committee on March 14 passed HB 1249, a bill to deny legal recognition to same-gender marriages another state may someday perform, with a 5 - 4 vote along party lines (Republicans for and Democrats against). Colorado marriages are already restricted to heterosexual couples. The so-called "Bill to Strengthen the Marriage Relationship" will next move to the full Senate, which already passed a similar measure earlier this month.

Transsexual activist Dainna Cicotello, testifying before the Committee, called the bill "the most dishonest piece of legislation that has come through this body in many years." In previous years, the legislature had twice passed such "defense of marriage" measures, only to have them vetoed by then-Governor Roy Romer (D), but current Governor Bill Owens (R) has said he will sign one if it reaches his desk.