Gay-rights bill wins first round

DENVER (AP) - A bill making it easier for gays and lesbians to leave property to their partners and visit each other in the hospital is closer to approval in the Colorado Legislature.

The measure was approved by the House Judiciary Committee Monday and sent to the full House for debate.

It would allow any two unmarried people to sign up to be the other's designated beneficiaries.

One Republican strongly opposed the bill, calling it an attempt to circumvent Colorado voters, who rejected civil unions and defined marriage as a union between a man and a woman.

Supporters say it would simply allow gay and unmarried couples the same rights married couples have.