This morning was one for the books – the history books, that is.
In an important step forward for loving, married same-sex couples and their families, today the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the so-called Defense of Marriage Act is unconstitutional -- affirming that all loving, committed couples who marry deserve equal legal respect and treatment. The Court also dismissed the Proposition 8 case on lack of standing, restoring the freedom to marry in California.
For thousands of married same-sex couples, these decisions mean that they can protect each other and their families. But even as we recognize the progress made today, many questions remain for LGBT Coloradans and their families about what these rulings mean – and that’s why we are hosting a webinar tonight at 6:30 p.m. MT to discuss what happens next here in Colorado.
During this statewide discussion, we’ll have representatives from Freedom to Marry and the National Center for Lesbian Rights on hand to explain the Court’s decisions and their impact on Colorado – and to answer any other questions you may have.
Tonight’s webinar will also feature an update from One Colorado on where we go from here – as we begin an important conversation within our community about the pathway to marriage here in Colorado.
Whether you’ve expressed early interest on our webinar event page or this is the first time you’re learning about it, we want you to be a part of this evening’s discussion. Click here to register, and you’ll receive an email with instructions for dialing in at 6:30 p.m. tonight.
While so many of us are still processing this morning’s news and following the latest updates, we know one fact does remain clear: without the freedom to marry here in Colorado, gay and lesbian couples in a civil union still lack the full security and protections they need – critical federal protections like Social Security and military benefits to take care of their families.
But there’s something else we know – something that gives us incredible hope today. We know that in every corner of this state, Coloradans have shown they are ready for a conversation about why marriage matters to all couples – straight and gay alike. And in the coming weeks and months, we must come together as a community to ensure that conversation is carried out.
Tonight, we take a big step in that direction: laying out not only what today means, but the pathway forward to marriage in the days ahead. You won’t want to miss it – sign up here.
