The Issue

Colorado is one of 30 states that still has a statewide ban on same-sex marriage in its constitution. In 2006, Colorado voters narrowly passed Amendment 43, which added the restriction that “only a union of one man and one woman shall be valid or recognized as a marriage in this state.”

In 2015, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Obergefell v. Hodges that the fundamental right to marry is guaranteed to same-sex couples. The ruling required all states to perform and recognize the marriages of same-sex couples on the same terms and conditions as the marriages of opposite-sex couples, with equal rights and responsibilities.

If the Obergefell decision is overturned and no new federal marriage protections are passed, then the restriction on marriage would return, and future same-sex marriages will not be legal in the state of Colorado.

Why Marriage Equality is Important:

•  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.
• We must update our constitution to reflect that Colorado voters do not believe in denying any person equal protection of the laws to anyone and that all should be able to marry the person they love.
• Marriage is an essential freedom that should not be denied to anyone.

Be part of the solution

This November, a ballot question will ask voters, “Shall there be an amendment to the Colorado constitution removing the ban on same-sex marriage?” By voting Yes to remove the ban, Colorado voters will update our constitution to reflect Colorado values that someone should be able to marry the person they love and preserve federal marriage benefits and protections, including hospital visitation rights, access to healthcare coverage, social security, and tax benefits.

Resources

Freedom to Marry Colorado is a coalition of members and leaders in the LGBTQ+ community who are committed to protecting the basic freedom of marriage.