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Senate removes statutory ban on same‑sex marriage to align state law with voters
Summary
Senate Bill 14 passed to repeal statutory language banning same‑sex marriage and align state statutes with the constitutional amendment approved by voters; sponsors framed the bill as protecting marriage equality against potential future federal legal changes.
The Senate on Feb. 4 adopted Senate Bill 14 to repeal statutory provisions prohibiting same‑sex marriage and to align Colorado law with the constitutional amendment approved by voters in November 2024.
Sen. Hawkes Lewis, who led floor remarks, recalled personal experience and the 2014 civil‑unions history and said the measure restores clarity and legal protections: "We can make our Colorado laws crystal clear, challenge free, and respectful of the will of the people of Colorado." Senator Danielson also urged support, noting constituent testimony and that the bill would protect family, custody and hospital‑visitor rights for LGBTQ+ Coloradans.
Floor debate emphasized that more than 64% of Colorado voters last fall approved removing the constitutional barrier; sponsors said state statutory language must be amended to reflect that vote and to protect marriages from potential future federal court changes.
The bill passed on the floor by voice vote; the clerk announced "The ayes have it and that bill is adopted." The transcript records speakers’ emotional appeals and references to the 2015 U.S. Supreme Court decision Obergefell v. Hodges in framing the need to align statutes with the voters’ amendment.
Senate Bill 14 passed with broad bipartisan statements of support from members who described personal and constituent experiences.
