Colorado lawmakers are discussing a civil union bill that would grant same-sex couples throughout the state the same rights as married heterosexual couples.

Two openly gay Democrats from Denver, Sen. Pat Steadman and Rep. Mark Ferrandino, are sponsoring a bill that would extend to same-sex couples several rights and responsibilities, including enhancing inheritance rights and the right to make medical decisions, according to the Associated Press.

Democrats expect the bill will have no trouble passing the senate. Every Democrat has signed on as a co-sponsor of the bill and they enjoy a 20-15 majority.

The bill might have a tougher time passing the House, where Republicans have a slight majority.

Since the beginning of the year, Hawaii and Illinois have passed similar civil union bills. While gay and lesbian couples in Colorado would not be allowed to marry, the civil union bill would not violate the state's constitutional amendment barring marriage equality.

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