DENVER (AP) -- An unenforced discrimination crime in Colorado could be coming off the books in a bipartisan agreement inspired by a civil-unions bill.

A Senate bill introduced this week would remove criminal penalties for discriminating in places of public accommodation. Democrats and Republicans are sponsoring it together after discussions about a separate bill granting legal recognition to same-sex couples.

Republicans who oppose civil unions have questioned whether business owners could face jail time for refusing to serve gays and lesbians. Democrats responded that anti-discrimination laws are enforced through civil penalties, not criminal penalties. Formally removing the criminal section from Colorado law could ensure that people who discriminate can't be sent to jail.

The civil-unions bill has passed the Senate and awaits consideration in the House.

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Online:

Senate Bill 184: http://bit.ly/XlqBH0

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