DENVER - A civil unions law for same-sex couples was a top promise made by Colorado Democrats who took control of the state Legislature.

It's little surprise, then, that the legal recognition for gay couples is on pace to become one of 2013's first new laws. The Colorado Senate takes up the measure Friday, with passage almost certain.

The civil unions bill is expected to sail through the Senate and then head to the House, where ruling Republicans defeated the measure for the last two years. Democrats now control the House and vow speedy approval for civil unions.

Democratic Gov. John Hickenlooper urged lawmakers last month to move quickly on civil unions. His signature would make the change complete, seven years after voters banned gay marriage in the state constitution.