The governor of Colorado has quietly come out in support of same-sex marriage, including a statement within a press release provided by lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender advocacy group One Colorado. Gov. John Hickenlooper (D-Colorado) penned this historic message, telling Colorado same-sex couples that every adult Coloradan deserves to freely join in marriage. The statement was a significant departure from Hickenlooper’s previous position, in which he had argued that same-sex couples should receive the same rights as other couples, but those unions should not be called “marriage.”
News reports show that the governor has not made any additional declarations, nor has he spoken to the press after releasing the landmark document. One Colorado representatives said, however, that they knew for years that the governor was supportive of gay and lesbian families; in 2009, he proclaimed a marriage equality day after a request from an elementary school child. At that time, he was the mayor of Denver.
Although some critics have accused Hickenlooper of flip-flopping on the issue, it appears that the change brings the Colorado governor in-line with his political party; President Obama has said that the issue has been evolving in recent years. Some speculate that the change was prompted by a recent suit that was filed by nine gay couples in the state. Those same-sex couples are legally challenging the state’s ban on gay marriage, which was enacted through a ballot initiative.
Same-sex couples in Colorado may soon receive the fair treatment they deserve under state family law. This means that same-sex couples in Colorado could be allowed to marry; sometimes, even more importantly, they could also enjoy separation rights and formal property division. A Colorado attorney may be able to assist same-sex couples who are looking ahead toward hearing their own wedding bells.
Source: 9 News, “Hickenlooper quietly comes out for same-sex marriage” Brandon Rittiman, Mar. 04, 2014
