Colorado State Law Colorado recognizes same-sex relationships under state law as follows: Same-Sex Marriage  Colorado prohibits same-sex marriage. A relationship between two persons that does not comply with the state's prohibition against same-sex marriage, but that was legally entered into in another jurisdiction, is deemed to be a civil union in Colorado. Civil Unions The Colorado Civil Union Act grants eligible couples in Colorado—regardless of the gender of either party—the benefits and protections afforded to spouses under state law, including: Insurance coverage provided by a health coverage plan, including the ability to cover a party to a civil union as a dependent (applicable for plans issued or renewed on or after January 1, 2014); Workers' compensation benefits; The right of a partner in a civil union to be treated as a family member or as a spouse for purposes of unemployment benefits; Family leave benefits; and Protection from employment and housing discrimination based on spousal status. A relationship between two persons that does not comply with the state's prohibition against same-sex marriage, but that was legally entered into in another jurisdiction, is deemed to be a civil union in Colorado.  Click here for more information.