Thursday, July 3, 2014

One Colorado: Good & Bad News for Marriage Equality In Colorado

From Dave Montez, Executive Director, One Colorado:

I have good news and I have bad news:

First the good news: Today, Governor John Hickenlooper and the Denver County Clerk called for the end of Colorado’s marriage ban. And not just that—Republican Attorney General John Suthers acknowledged it won’t be long until a court finds that the ban is unconstitutional.

But the bad news? These elected officials asked the courts to issue a stay in any decision striking down Colorado’s marriage ban—meaning even with a favorable ruling, same-sex couples in Colorado will still be denied the freedom to marry while higher courts debate the issue.

Though we’re pleased the Gov. & AG are in agreement that the marriage ban’s days are numbered, we're disappointed in this half measure. Acknowledging the unconstitutionality of the ban won’t end discrimination against same-sex couples.

There’s only one way to end the sting of Colorado’s marriage ban—and that’s to overturn it and allow all loving couples to share in the freedom to marry, without delay.

Share our graphic now to tell Gov. Hickenlooper & AG Suthers: Colorado families can’t wait another day for marriage equality. Colorado’s leaders should put the full weight of their offices behind a swift resolution striking down a law they both agree to be unconstitutional:

In recognizing that Colorado’s marriage ban cannot survive a legal challenge, both the Governor and Attorney General acknowledge what 23 courts nationwide have already affirmed: there is simply no constitutional basis for denying marriage to loving same-sex couples.

But that fact doesn’t change harsh reality for tens of thousands of Colorado families who, so long as our marriage ban is on the books, will continue to suffer the consequences every single day.

Until same-sex couples are afforded equal protection under the law, Colorado’s laws will continue to harm the families who call our state home.

Share this graphic now and help demonstrate that the people of Colorado want our marriage ban to be overturned once and for all—now. Click here to say that Colorado simply can’t wait any longer for the freedom to marry.

We’re thrilled to see this bipartisan group of elected officials coming together to recognize that Colorado’s marriage ban is unconstitutional. Now, it’s time for them to take the next step and ensure that every Colorado family is afforded the freedom and protections we all deserve.