DENVER -- A same-sex couple who refused to leave the Denver clerk and recorder's office after they were denied a marriage license have pleaded not guilty to a charge of trespassing.

Kate Burns and Sheila Schroeder of Englewood were cited in the Sept. 24 incident. Both refused to leave the clerk and recorder's office, even though they were told it was closing.

The couple contended they should be entitled to all the federal benefits of a heterosexual married couple.

A trial date was scheduled for Dec. 17.

Colorado voters in November passed a ballot proposal banning gay marriage. They also rejected a proposal to give same-sex couples some of the same legal benefits as married spouses.