Republicans block civil unions push in Colorado special session

A last-ditch effort by Colorado's governor to give gay couples rights similar to married couples in the state has failed.

Republicans on Monday rejected civil unions legislation during a special session that Gov. John Hickenlooper called to tackle the issue and others killed last week by a GOP filibuster.

Civil unions would let partners make medical decisions for each other and enhance their parental and inheritance rights.

The bill had enough support to clear the House during the regular session and get to the Democratic governor's desk. But Republicans refused to bring it up for a vote before a key deadline.

Hickenlooper then brought lawmakers into a special session to reconsider what he called a "fundamental question of fairness and civil rights."

A Republican-controlled House committee voted down the bill Monday along party lines.