Gay Colo. State Senator Issued Marriage License in Boulder

As gay and lesbian couples across Colorado continue to flock to Boulder County where the local clerk is issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples, despite the state's ban on gay marriage, a state senator and his now husband were among the 30 couples issued marriage certification Thursday, TheDenverChannel.com reports.

After a six-year trip down the aisle, forgoing a civil union, which has been legal in Colorado since 2013, State Senator Jessie Ulibarri (D-Commerce City), and his partner Louis Trujillo are tying the knot. The pair were among the 30 couples issued a marriage license by the Boulder County Clerk's office in defiance of the state's ban of same-sex marriage.

"I think it's a big deal.I think it's a big step forward to get our family recognized in the justice system and get protected," said Trujillo.

Denver Business Journal reports that Colorado Attorney General John Suthers claims that the marriage licenses being issued to same-sex couples in Boulder County are invalid.

"I don't really care what the attorney general says," Ulibarri told TV station KMGH. "I want the ability to love and protect my family. And that means we got a marriage certificate."

On Wednesday, the 10th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals in Denver ruled that Utah's ban on same-sex marriage was unconstitutional. The 10th Circuit's decisions apply to six states including Colorado. Reuters reports that although the court put its ruling on hold in anticipation of legal challenges by Utah officials, the Boulder County Clerk began issuing marriage licenses to gay and lesbian couples within hours of the decision in violation of Colorado's ban on same-sex marriage.

This story is part of our special report: "Gay Marriage". Want to read more? Here's the full list.