Colorado Governor Signs Law Repealing Same-Sex Marriage Ban

Colorado Governor Jared Polis signed the 'Protecting the Freedom to Marry Act,' officially repealing the state's same-sex marriage ban and aligning the law with the recent Constitutional Amendment J, which was approved by 63% of voters. The legislation eliminates outdated language that defined marriage as solely between a man and a woman, reinforcing the rights of Coloradans to marry whom they love. This move, which follows the U.S. Supreme Court's 2015 Obergefell v. Hodges decision that legalized same-sex marriage nationwide, is seen as a crucial step in safeguarding marriage equality in Colorado amidst ongoing national challenges to LGBTQ+ rights. Sponsors of the bill, including Senator Jessie Danielson and Representatives Brianna Titone and Lorena Garcia, emphasized the importance of this law in protecting the rights of individuals and families. Polis remarked that it is not the government's role to dictate personal relationships, highlighting that love should be celebrated without legal barriers. The passage of this law is viewed as a fulfillment of the voters' will and a commitment to inclusivity in the state.