DENVER (AP) -- Civil unions for same-sex Colorado couples have cleared the state Senate for a third and possibly final time.

The Senate approved civil unions 21-14 without debate. All Democrats voted for the legal recognition for gay partners. Republican Sen. Ellen Roberts of Durango joined them. The other 14 Republicans voted no.

Monday's vote is expected to be the curtain call for civil unions in the state Senate. That's because the House is now under Democratic control and is likely to approve the measure, sending it to the governor's desk. Democratic Gov. John Hickenlooper has said he plans to sign civil unions into law.

Civil unions would grant gay couples rights similar to marriage. More than a dozen states allow either civil unions or gay marriage. Colorado's constitution bans gay marriage.