Colorado House Speaker Mark Ferrandino
entered a civil union with his longtime partner Greg Wertsch on
Sunday.
The ceremony was held on the west
balcony of the state Capitol and was officiated by State Supreme
Court Justice Monica Marquez, The
Denver Post reported.
Ferrandino was instrumental in passing
the state's civil union law after two years of crushing defeats.
Senators Andy Kerr and Pat Steadman
were among the roughly 50 guests who attended the ceremony. The two
Democrats also played pivotal roles in passage of the law.
Ferrandino and Wertsch are raising one
child, daughter Lila.
“Greg and I have tried to keep this
low-key because we are just one of the thousands of Colorado couples
whose commitment to each other can now officially be recognized by
the state,” Ferrandino said in a statement. “I am very proud
that I was able to help make this new law a reality. But today, any
sense of legislative accomplishment takes a back seat to a much more
personal feeling – my love for Greg and for our foster daughter,
Lila.