COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. -- Gay employees at the University of Colorado would have to register in Denver or Boulder as domestic partners to qualify for health benefits under a new proposal that regents are considering.

Regents had been expected to vote on the matter this week, but delayed action until September or October to sort out who would be eligible. CU officials have estimated that up to 600 employees would take advantage of the program.

Under the latest proposal, outlined during a meeting of the regents' academic planning committee, gay employees would need to show a certificate proving their listing on a Colorado domestic partner registry for their partners to receive benefits.

Denver and Boulder are the only cities in Colorado that register domestic relationships. Couples from outside those cities can register.

An earlier proposal required much more documentation from gay couples showing they were financially interdependent. Critics said that would put an unfair burden on gay employees.

"My personal goal is to attempt to create something people could support," Regent Bob Sievers said Wednesday. "We are not engaging in the issue of what constitutes a marriage."

CU employees' common-law spouses are already able to receive health benefits through the university. And students at CU and Colorado State University can qualify for benefits for same-sex partners.

Regent Tom Lucero said that he remains opposed to same-sex benefits, primarily because he does not believe they are an entitlement.

"How difficult is it to find a job, negotiate a salary and say, `I'm going to purchase my own health insurance?"' Lucero said. "Have we gotten to a point we can't expect people to take care of their own lives?"