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COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO. -- Religious-based adoption agencies might be forced to close when civil unions for same-sex couples become law.

A measure allowing civil unions for gay couples has cleared the Colorado Legislature and is headed to the governor's desk, where it's expected to be signed.

The bill won final passage Tuesday on a 39-26 House vote, with two Republicans joining all Democrats to approve it. But it wasn't without opposition.

Catholic Charities President and CEO, Mark Rohlena is concerned about the major difference between this year's bill and the one from last year. The current version no longer includes a provision exempting adoption agencies that disagree with civil unions from placing children with same-sex couples. Catholic Charities, Rohlena said, only arranges adoptions to opposite sex couples who are married.

Many of those opposed to the bill said that it discriminated against those who are opposed to same-sex civil unions for religious reasons, with an attorney for the conservative group Alliance Defending Freedom equating it to "religious intolerance."

When asked if Catholic Charities would end adoption services in Colorado if the bill passes without a religious exemption, Rohlena said it was possible.

"Catholic Charities were forced out of the adoption and foster care business [in other states that have passes similar laws] and based on what I heard today, that would be a similar battle we would be facing here," he said.

The exemption for religious-based groups opposing same-sex unions was defeated by representatives who said it encourages discrimination against gay couples.

Rohlena said without that exemption, this bill is discriminating against their religious rights.

"We thought there was room for everyone to operate here," he said, "It's a diverse state and we think its important for religious freedom, our first most cherished right and the first amendment, to be honored."

Opponents said businesses have a right to refuse service. Rohlena argued Catholic Charities is the service arm of the Catholic church, not a business.

"To us it's outreach," he said, "It's living out our gospel call, and that some legislators would feel comfortable talking about the work we do as a business, that troubles us."

He said the church doesn't discriminate when it comes to basic needs and they're upset that the word discrimination is being placed on their belief.

"Because the church has it's traditional teaching on marriage and it's had the same teaching for 2000 years, people who have that view should have a place to come," he said.

"The reality is that same sex couples are able to adopt currently even without the passage of this bill. There will be many agencies that will adopt to parties with a civil union, so it's difficult for us to understand why we would need to be out of the business for these other options to come into play."