Colorado’s first gay speaker takes gavel

Colorado’s first gay House speaker has taken control, less than a year after Republicans used their former majority to block civil unions for same-sex couples.

The ascension of Denver Democratic House Speaker Mark Ferrandino on Wednesday highlights a dramatic change since May when Republicans used their one-vote majority to defeat civil unions.

Former Republican House Speaker Frank McNulty handed the gavel to Ferrandino to start the 2013 lawmaking session.

Democrats now control the House after November’s elections and Democrats retained Senate. That means that after two years of divided government and limited agendas, the Colorado Legislature likely will see a flurry of legislation favored by Democrats, including civil unions, gun control, tuition benefits for illegal immigrants, and expanded Medicaid for low-income adults.

KRDO NewsChannel 13’s Samantha Anderson was at the Colorado Capitol on Wednesday morning. Look for updates on KRDO NewsChannel 13 starting at 4 p.m.