Heated Debate In Colorado Senate Over Birth Control

DENVER (AP) -- Tempers and props ruled the Colorado Senate during a debate urging Congress to adopt the failed Blunt Amendment that would allow insurance plans to deny contraception coverage on moral and religious grounds.

Republicans were furious that Democratic women unfurled a banner in front of the podium spanning nearly the length of the Senate chamber showing several stop signs to indicate instances in which birth control could be denied.

The symbolic Republican measure was surprisingly let out of committee and failed as expected Friday in the Democratic-controlled Senate.

Democrats called it a war on women. Democratic Sen. Angela Giron accused Republicans of using women's bodies as "political pawns." Republican Sen. Ellen Roberts called it "a manufactured war on the Senate floor."

The debate comes in the waning days of the session with substantial legislation pending.

(© Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)