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   By CARL HILLIARD
 Associated Press Writer
   DENVER (AP) -- A judge began pondering Friday whether he should strike down
Colorado's anti-homosexual rights law, and said the sooner he reached a
decision the happier he would be.
   Six individuals and the cities of Boulder, Denver and Aspen -- which have
homosexual protection ordinances that would be nullified by Amendment 2 -- sued
to invalidate the law passed by Colorado's voters last year.
   Denver District Judge Jeffrey Bayless, who presided over the lawsuit's
trial, which concluded Friday, didn't say when he might issue a ruling.
   He did say: "The sooner I will be able to rule, the happier I will be."
   In closing arguments, Jean Dubofsky, the former state Supreme Court justice
representing Amendment 2 challengers, said Colorado homosexuals "are not here
asking protection from discrimination -- only the right to seek such
protection, if necessary."
   Solicitor General Tim Tymkovich, representing the state and defending the
measure, argued that Amendment 2 "is not a question of natural law or religion
or moral judgment."
   "It's a question of whether public policy should be extended to a private gro
up. And people of Colorado made that decision on Nov. 2," Tymkovich said.
   Bayless blocked Amendment 2 from taking effect pending the outcome of his
ruling.
   The Colorado Supreme Court upheld that order, and the state is appealing to
the U.S. Supreme Court.
   The state, in defending Amendment 2, said homosexuals earn more than
average, have demonstrated their political clout many times and do not deserve
protected status.
   During the trial that began Oct. 12, the plaintiffs alleged that Amendment 2
denies homosexuals equal access to the political system, a violation of their
constitutional rights.