Udall: Supreme Court Decision Clears Way for Marriage Equality in Colorado
Udall Has Championed Marriage Equality in Congress, Led National Efforts to End Discrimination
Mark Udall, a strong advocate for ending discrimination, welcomed the U.S. Supreme Court's move today to let the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals' decision on marriage equality stand. Udall said he agrees with the Colorado Department of Law's assessment that the Supreme Court decision clears the way for true marriage equality in Colorado.
"We are a stronger, better state when all couples are able to publically affirm their shared commitment and responsibilities to one another through marriage. The U.S. Supreme Court's move to let the Denver-based 10th Circuit Court of Appeals' decision in favor of marriage equality stand is a win for all Coloradans," Udall said. "We should celebrate what this will mean for so many of our friends, family members and neighbors. And while this is an important milestone for our state and for other states around the country impacted today, we still have work to do to ensure equality for Americans nationwide."
Udall has been a vocal advocate of striking down misguided laws that discriminate against committed, married gay couples at both the state and federal levels. Udall last year helped to pass in the U.S. Senate the bipartisan Employment Non-Discrimination Act, which would bar employers from discriminating on the basis of sexual orientation. However, the U.S. House of Representatives has refused to act on the legislation. He also led the successful effort to repeal the harmful and discriminatory "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy.