Take Action
Resources
Latest
State Advocacy
Donate
By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. View our Privacy Policy for more information.
PreferencesDenyAccept
Privacy Preference Center
When you visit websites, they may store or retrieve data in your browser. This storage is often necessary for the basic functionality of the website. The storage may be used for marketing, analytics, and personalization of the site, such as storing your preferences. Privacy is important to us, so you have the option of disabling certain types of storage that may not be necessary for the basic functioning of the website. Blocking categories may impact your experience on the website.
Reject all cookiesAllow all cookies
Manage Consent Preferences by Category
Essential
Always Active
These items are required to enable basic website functionality.
Marketing
These items are used to deliver advertising that is more relevant to you and your interests. They may also be used to limit the number of times you see an advertisement and measure the effectiveness of advertising campaigns. Advertising networks usually place them with the website operator’s permission.
Personalization
These items allow the website to remember choices you make (such as your user name, language, or the region you are in) and provide enhanced, more personal features. For example, a website may provide you with local weather reports or traffic news by storing data about your current location.
Analytics
These items help the website operator understand how its website performs, how visitors interact with the site, and whether there may be technical issues. This storage type usually doesn’t collect information that identifies a visitor.
Confirm my preferences and close
Posts
Press Releases & Statements

One Colorado Celebrates Passage of SCR24-003 to Repeal CO Constitutional Ban on Same-Sex Marriage

By
Gillian Ford, Communications Director
May 8, 2024
•
#
min read

Denver, CO – Today, One Colorado celebrates the passage of  SCR24-003, “Protecting The Freedom to Marry,” a referred measure to repeal the ban on same-sex marriage (Amendment 43) that Colorado currently has in the State Constitution. One Colorado will continue to work with supporters and coalition members to prioritize protecting the freedom to marry in 2024 as SCR24-003 now goes to the voters for the November 2024 ballot. 

‍

Passed narrowly in 2006, voters defined marriage as between one man and one woman. If the landmark U.S. Supreme Court decision Obergefell v. Hodges is overturned, Coloradans have no state protections for any same-sex couple who wants to get married in the future. If passed, the measure would appear on the 2024 General Election ballot. 

‍

The bill was sponsored by Senator Joann Ginal (SD-14), and Representatives Brianna Titone (HD-27) and Alex Valdez (HD-5).

‍

“Coloradans overwhelmingly support the freedom to marry,”said Nadine Bridges, MSW (she, her, hers), One Colorado’s Executive Director. “ If the U.S. Supreme Court overturns Obergefell vs. Hodges, the landmark 2015 decision to support marriage equality, same-sex couples in Colorado will not be allowed to get married in the future. We must update our constitution to reflect Colorado values that someone should be able to marry the person they love.”

‍

“Marriage is a basic freedom that should not be denied to anyone.” said Senator Joann Ginal, sponsor of  SCR24-003. “In the United States, freedom means freedom for everyone. No member of anybody’s family—gay or straight—should be singled out for unfair treatment or denied their basic American freedom, just because of who they are and who they love.” 

‍

“If same-sex couples lose the right to marry, they will also lose benefits like hospital visitation rights, access to healthcare coverage, and social security and tax benefits,” said Representative Brianna Titone, co-chair of the LGBTQ caucus and sponsor of SCR24-003. “ In this country, individuals have the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. The government should not get to decide whether two consenting adults can marry, and they do not have the right to ban people from deciding how to live their lives.” 

‍

“This resolution seeks to establish a fundamental right for all Coloradans," said Representative Alex Valdez, member of the LGBTQ caucus and sponsor of SCR24-003. "In November, Colorado’s voters will decide whether marriage should be inclusive of all our citizens.”

‍

“My wife and I went to New York in 2011 to get married before marriage equality was legal in all 50 states," said Representative Lorena Garcia, member of the LGBTQ caucus. "We had to spend time away from family and go to a place that was not our home to say “Yes, we want to be together!” What’s astounding to me is that if you don't agree with gay marriage, then don't marry somebody of the same gender. By not having a prohibition in the Colorado Constitution, it does not mean the opposite – it does not mean one has to. Now we have the opportunity to give the voters their chance to correct what should have never been there  in the first place, and that is a no-brainer!” 

‍

“We fell in love and made a lifelong promise to each other over 20 years ago. We have fought for decades to obtain marriage equality, and now we are fighting to keep it for couples in the future.” said Fran and Anna Simon, the first couple to receive a civil union in Colorado and the first same-sex couple to be legally married in Denver. “It has been so important for our 16 year old son to have the critical legal protections of married parents for most of his life; all children should have that security. We want all couples who wish to make a lifetime commitment to the person they love to have the freedom to marry and to be able to protect their families as we have.” 

‍

Additional information

Colorado is one of 30 states that currently has a statewide ban on same-sex marriage in the constitution. Colorado voters narrowly passed Amendment 43 in 2006, and the constitutional language defines marriage as between one man and one woman. 

‍

The 2015 U.S. Supreme Court’s Obergefell v. Hodges decision–making marriage equality the law of the land–supersedes Colorado’s Amendment 43. If Obergefell is overturned, same-sex marriage would no longer be legal in the State of Colorado. The 2022 federal Respect for Marriage Act would protect around 7,000 LGBTQ+ Coloradans who are currently married. Without Obergefell or new federal protections, future same-sex marriages would not be legal in the state of Colorado. 

‍

U.S. Supreme Court Justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito have recently indicated they would be in favor of revisiting Obergefell v. Hodges. Justice Thomas said that “the same rationale that the Supreme Court used to declare there was no right to abortion…should also be used to overturn cases establishing rights to contraception, same-sex consensual relations and same-sex marriage.” Justice Alito recently raised concern that “those with traditional religious views would be labeled as bigots and treated as such by the government.” 

‍

One Colorado thanks the following Colorado legislators who voted in favor of SCR24-003 moving forward to Colorado voters:

###

‍

One Colorado is a 501(c)3 and is the state’s leading advocacy organization building a brighter future for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) Coloradans and their families. 

‍

One Colorado Action Fund is a 501(c)4 and exists to secure protections and opportunities for LGBTQ+ Coloradans through grassroots, local, and statewide organizing and lobbying efforts.

‍

Share this post
Copy share link
Share on LinkedIn
Share on Twitter
Share on Facebook
Culture
Education & Family
Legislation
News
Politics
SCOTUS

Related posts

Read more to stay up-to-date on the latest Press Releases & Statements happenings at One Colorado.

View all
Press Releases & Statements

One Colorado PAC Endorses Pro-Equality Candidates

One Colorado's 2024 Candidate and Ballot Measure Endorsements
Press Releases & Statements

One Colorado Hosts "Hops to the Polls" GOTV Kick-Off Event to Mobilize Voters for the 2024 Election

As the 2024 elections approach, One Colorado is calling on all supporters to join the movement and ensure that every voice is heard at the polls.
Press Releases & Statements

One Colorado Celebrates Victory: No-Anti Trans Initiatives on November Ballot

One Colorado is proud to announce a landmark victory in the fight for LGBTQ+ equality in the state. Thanks to the leadership of One Colorado and its coalition partners, all the final proposed anti-trans ballot measures have failed to secure enough signatures to advance to the November ballot.

Stay in the know

Get updates on LGBTQ+ news, events, and ways to be involved!
303 E. 17th Ave, Suite 400, Denver, CO 80203
(303) 396-6170info@one-colorado.org
One Colorado
Our Focus
Take Action
Progress
Resources
Programs
Latest
Donate
Events
Action Fund
State Advocacy
Legislative Reports
Legislation Tracker
Endorsements
Donate
General
Team
Careers
Contact
Board Login
© 2023 One Colorado. All rights reserved.
Branding and website by Luum Studio
Privacy PolicyAccessibilityTerms of ServiceCookies Settings
Take Action
Resources
Latest
State Advocacy
Donate
By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. View our Privacy Policy for more information.
PreferencesDenyAccept
Privacy Preference Center
When you visit websites, they may store or retrieve data in your browser. This storage is often necessary for the basic functionality of the website. The storage may be used for marketing, analytics, and personalization of the site, such as storing your preferences. Privacy is important to us, so you have the option of disabling certain types of storage that may not be necessary for the basic functioning of the website. Blocking categories may impact your experience on the website.
Reject all cookiesAllow all cookies
Manage Consent Preferences by Category
Essential
Always Active
These items are required to enable basic website functionality.
Marketing
These items are used to deliver advertising that is more relevant to you and your interests. They may also be used to limit the number of times you see an advertisement and measure the effectiveness of advertising campaigns. Advertising networks usually place them with the website operator’s permission.
Personalization
These items allow the website to remember choices you make (such as your user name, language, or the region you are in) and provide enhanced, more personal features. For example, a website may provide you with local weather reports or traffic news by storing data about your current location.
Analytics
These items help the website operator understand how its website performs, how visitors interact with the site, and whether there may be technical issues. This storage type usually doesn’t collect information that identifies a visitor.
Confirm my preferences and close
Posts
Press Releases & Statements

One Colorado Celebrates Passage of SCR24-003 to Repeal CO Constitutional Ban on Same-Sex Marriage

By
Gillian Ford, Communications Director
May 8, 2024
•
#
min read

Denver, CO – Today, One Colorado celebrates the passage of  SCR24-003, “Protecting The Freedom to Marry,” a referred measure to repeal the ban on same-sex marriage (Amendment 43) that Colorado currently has in the State Constitution. One Colorado will continue to work with supporters and coalition members to prioritize protecting the freedom to marry in 2024 as SCR24-003 now goes to the voters for the November 2024 ballot. 

‍

Passed narrowly in 2006, voters defined marriage as between one man and one woman. If the landmark U.S. Supreme Court decision Obergefell v. Hodges is overturned, Coloradans have no state protections for any same-sex couple who wants to get married in the future. If passed, the measure would appear on the 2024 General Election ballot. 

‍

The bill was sponsored by Senator Joann Ginal (SD-14), and Representatives Brianna Titone (HD-27) and Alex Valdez (HD-5).

‍

“Coloradans overwhelmingly support the freedom to marry,”said Nadine Bridges, MSW (she, her, hers), One Colorado’s Executive Director. “ If the U.S. Supreme Court overturns Obergefell vs. Hodges, the landmark 2015 decision to support marriage equality, same-sex couples in Colorado will not be allowed to get married in the future. We must update our constitution to reflect Colorado values that someone should be able to marry the person they love.”

‍

“Marriage is a basic freedom that should not be denied to anyone.” said Senator Joann Ginal, sponsor of  SCR24-003. “In the United States, freedom means freedom for everyone. No member of anybody’s family—gay or straight—should be singled out for unfair treatment or denied their basic American freedom, just because of who they are and who they love.” 

‍

“If same-sex couples lose the right to marry, they will also lose benefits like hospital visitation rights, access to healthcare coverage, and social security and tax benefits,” said Representative Brianna Titone, co-chair of the LGBTQ caucus and sponsor of SCR24-003. “ In this country, individuals have the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. The government should not get to decide whether two consenting adults can marry, and they do not have the right to ban people from deciding how to live their lives.” 

‍

“This resolution seeks to establish a fundamental right for all Coloradans," said Representative Alex Valdez, member of the LGBTQ caucus and sponsor of SCR24-003. "In November, Colorado’s voters will decide whether marriage should be inclusive of all our citizens.”

‍

“My wife and I went to New York in 2011 to get married before marriage equality was legal in all 50 states," said Representative Lorena Garcia, member of the LGBTQ caucus. "We had to spend time away from family and go to a place that was not our home to say “Yes, we want to be together!” What’s astounding to me is that if you don't agree with gay marriage, then don't marry somebody of the same gender. By not having a prohibition in the Colorado Constitution, it does not mean the opposite – it does not mean one has to. Now we have the opportunity to give the voters their chance to correct what should have never been there  in the first place, and that is a no-brainer!” 

‍

“We fell in love and made a lifelong promise to each other over 20 years ago. We have fought for decades to obtain marriage equality, and now we are fighting to keep it for couples in the future.” said Fran and Anna Simon, the first couple to receive a civil union in Colorado and the first same-sex couple to be legally married in Denver. “It has been so important for our 16 year old son to have the critical legal protections of married parents for most of his life; all children should have that security. We want all couples who wish to make a lifetime commitment to the person they love to have the freedom to marry and to be able to protect their families as we have.” 

‍

Additional information

Colorado is one of 30 states that currently has a statewide ban on same-sex marriage in the constitution. Colorado voters narrowly passed Amendment 43 in 2006, and the constitutional language defines marriage as between one man and one woman. 

‍

The 2015 U.S. Supreme Court’s Obergefell v. Hodges decision–making marriage equality the law of the land–supersedes Colorado’s Amendment 43. If Obergefell is overturned, same-sex marriage would no longer be legal in the State of Colorado. The 2022 federal Respect for Marriage Act would protect around 7,000 LGBTQ+ Coloradans who are currently married. Without Obergefell or new federal protections, future same-sex marriages would not be legal in the state of Colorado. 

‍

U.S. Supreme Court Justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito have recently indicated they would be in favor of revisiting Obergefell v. Hodges. Justice Thomas said that “the same rationale that the Supreme Court used to declare there was no right to abortion…should also be used to overturn cases establishing rights to contraception, same-sex consensual relations and same-sex marriage.” Justice Alito recently raised concern that “those with traditional religious views would be labeled as bigots and treated as such by the government.” 

‍

One Colorado thanks the following Colorado legislators who voted in favor of SCR24-003 moving forward to Colorado voters:

###

‍

One Colorado is a 501(c)3 and is the state’s leading advocacy organization building a brighter future for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) Coloradans and their families. 

‍

One Colorado Action Fund is a 501(c)4 and exists to secure protections and opportunities for LGBTQ+ Coloradans through grassroots, local, and statewide organizing and lobbying efforts.

‍

Share this post
Copy share link
Share on LinkedIn
Share on Twitter
Share on Facebook
Culture
Education & Family
Legislation
News
Politics
SCOTUS

Related posts

Read more to stay up-to-date on the latest Press Releases & Statements happenings at One Colorado.

View all
Press Releases & Statements

One Colorado PAC Endorses Pro-Equality Candidates

One Colorado's 2024 Candidate and Ballot Measure Endorsements
Press Releases & Statements

One Colorado Hosts "Hops to the Polls" GOTV Kick-Off Event to Mobilize Voters for the 2024 Election

As the 2024 elections approach, One Colorado is calling on all supporters to join the movement and ensure that every voice is heard at the polls.
Press Releases & Statements

One Colorado Celebrates Victory: No-Anti Trans Initiatives on November Ballot

One Colorado is proud to announce a landmark victory in the fight for LGBTQ+ equality in the state. Thanks to the leadership of One Colorado and its coalition partners, all the final proposed anti-trans ballot measures have failed to secure enough signatures to advance to the November ballot.

Stay in the know

Get updates on LGBTQ+ news, events, and ways to be involved!
303 E. 17th Ave, Suite 400, Denver, CO 80203
(303) 396-6170info@one-colorado.org
One Colorado
Our Focus
Take Action
Progress
Resources
Programs
Latest
Donate
Events
Action Fund
State Advocacy
Legislative Reports
Legislation Tracker
Endorsements
Donate
General
Team
Careers
Contact
Board Login
© 2023 One Colorado. All rights reserved.
Branding and website by Luum Studio
Privacy PolicyAccessibilityTerms of ServiceCookies Settings