DENVER (AP) - An expanded gun ban for people convicted of certain domestic-violence offenses won initial approval in the Democratic Senate Friday.

The domestic-violence bill was the first of seven gun-control measures under consideration. Senators debated the measure for more than two hours to kick off a gun debate expected to last late into the night.

The domestic-violence measure would require people convicted of domestic-violence felonies or misdemeanors to relinquish firearms and ammunition. Supporters said the forfeitures would protect victims from future violence.

Republicans opposed the measure, arguing that judges already have the ability to require gun forfeiture. Democrats rejected a GOP attempt to delay the debate until Monday and cleared it for a final vote required before the measure heads to the House.

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