To have and to hold from this day forward till death (or divorce) do us part -- a common oath made by couples everywhere when they opt to take the marital plunge with their husband or wife. But what about same-sex couples? Do they not deserve to make the same pledge to their loved one? Do they not deserve the chance to legally divorce when that marriage fails, just like their heterosexual counterparts? These are some of the questions being posed to Colorado lawmakers in recent days; a sentiment that is supported by many politicians, including Governor Hickenlooper.

Same-sex couples and supporters throughout the nation have been eagerly waiting for many states, including Colorado, to pass legislation to allow civil unions or gay marriages. With this expansion of more states, it will not only permit same-sex couple to get married, but also streamline the divorce process for them as well.

As it stands, same-sex couples who have been legally married in states are finding that those states are the generally the only ones who allow them to divorce. Other states do not readily permit same-sex divorce because by doing so means they are acknowledging the marriage as a legal union.

Colorado couples have been urging their representatives to pass legislation that will grant same-sex couples "the same legal protections" as heterosexual married partners. Such laws would allow all couples, regardless of gender, the right to be involved in their spouse's end-of-life and other medical decisions, including the ease of access to medical insurance coverage.

However, this new legislation isn't without its potential pitfalls. As recent as 2006, Colorado voters, voted against gay marriage stating that permitting it "undermines traditional marriage." Yet, the proposed bill does state that civil unions are not marriage, but still clarifies the legal rights gay individuals would have. Other states such as Hawaii and Delaware also passed their own civil union laws this month.

Source: The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, "Colorado civil union bill advances toward showdown," Ivan Moreno, Feb. 15, 2012