Colorado Democrats enter abortion-rights debate

A symbolic election-year fight over abortion rights is headed to the Colorado Senate.

A bill up for debate Tuesday is described as a guarantee that state or local policies won’t interfere with reproductive decisions such as abortion and contraception. Democratic sponsors say the measure is needed to protect women’s rights.

The bill would also draw election-year contrasts on a divisive measure where Democrats think the public is on their side. It’s a symbolic measure because future lawmakers could change it.

Religious conservatives who oppose abortion rights are outraged. Denver Catholic Archbishop Samuel Aquila plans to pray on the steps of the Capitol Tuesday in protest.

Catholics say they are especially offended that the measure is being debated during Holy Week.