Colorado recognizes first gay divorce

This publicity image released by NBC shows actor Sean Hayes from the “Sean Saves the World,” where he will star as a gay divorced dad. Colorado has recognized its first same-sex divorce in the case of Juli Yim and Lorelei Jones, who wed in Massachusetts in 2009. AP PHOTO/NBC, CHRIS HASTON

DENVER—Colorado’s first recognized same-sex divorce is final.

Supporters of Colorado’s civil unions law said the court ruling means gay couples married in other states can legally terminate their relationships in the state without uprooting their lives.

Juli Yim and Lorelei Jones wed in Massachusetts in 2009, where same-sex marriage is legal.

Yim told the Fort Collins Coloradoan the relationship went bad and that she found a new partner in Colorado.

Colorado is one of several states that treat gay and straight couples the same in almost every respect through civil unions or domestic partnerships. Gay couples are not allowed to marry in Colorado but can get divorced under state statute.

Gay rights advocates say some other states also grant divorces to gay couples who were married elsewhere.