Protecting the Freedom to Marry Act Signed Into Law

SB25-014 repeals unenforceable language from Colorado Statute that states that a marriage is valid only if it is between a man and a woman

DENVER, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed into law the Protecting the Freedom to Marry Act, implementing Amendment J and removing language from the Colorado Constitution banning same-sex marriage.

SB25-014, sponsored by Senator Jessie Danielson, D-Wheat Ridge, and Representatives Brianna Titone, D-Arvada, and Lorena García, D-Unincorporated Adams County, repeals the provision in Colorado statute that states that marriage is valid only if it is between a man and a woman. That provision has been unenforceable since the United States Supreme Court decision in Obergefell v. Hodges in 2015 and is now in conflict with the State Constitution.

“The freedom to marry who we love is a fundamental right,” said Danielson. “I cannot sit back and allow Coloradans to have their marriages and families put at risk. It’s especially important now, as the Trump Administration attacks the LGBTQ community, to secure everyone’s right to live safely in our state, and marry whomever they love.”

“This law implements the will of the voters and protects marriage equality in Colorado,” said Titone. “As the Trump administration continues to blatantly attack and demonize the LGBTQ+ community, this law upholds marriage equality in Colorado. By implementing the will of the voters we're protecting the freedom to marry who we love.” 

“Colorado voters have spoken; they want marriage equality constitutionally protected in our state,” said García. “In an era where the Trump administration continues to take aim at critical protections and rights for the LGBTQ+ community, Colorado is standing up to protect marriage equality. With this law, we’re fulfilling the will of the voters and taking steps to protect marriage equality now and into the future.”

Colorado voters overwhelmingly approved Amendment J in the 2024 election.