GLBT Center of Colorado responds to California's decision to upohold Prop 8

May 26, 2:49 PMDenver Gay Culture ExaminerRemigio Darby

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The California Supreme Court today issued a decision that upheld Proposition 8, which bans same-sex marriage in the state.

Although the decision is extremely disappointing to the GLBT community, other states are moving in the opposite direction of California. Most recently both Vermont and Maine have legalized equal marriage.

The decision doesn't directly affect Coloradan GLBT couples, who don't yet have the legal right to marry here.

"A tremendous number of Colorado couples traveled to California from May to November last year while the state recognized same sex marriage," said Mindy Barton, legal director of the GLBT Community Center of Colorado. "We continue to encourage those couples here in Colorado to use their marriage as an opportunity to educate others about the importance of having the government, not just friends and family, recognize their relationship."

Still, Colorado has enacted a number of laws that are beneficial to the GLBT community: an amended hate crimes law that includes sexual orientation and gender identity; second-parent adoption; antidiscrimination in the workplace; and expanded antidiscrimination to include housing public accommodations. In April, Gov. Bill Ritter signed a bill allowing for two unmarried adults to file as designated beneficiaries. This estate planning tool, which enables a person to choose another to be entitled to certain financial protections and decision-making powers, becomes effective on July 1.

"Our state has made significant progress in the fight for GLBT equality," said Carlos Martinez, executive director of the GLBT Community Center of Colorado. "Although this decision is disappointing, it goes against the national trend toward rejecting discrimination based on sexual orientation."

Soulforce in Colorado, a nonprofit organization determined to help end oppression against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people, has organized a Nonviolent Civil Disobedience regarding the decision, scheduled for 3 p.m. today. The action will take place along the north side of Colfax Avenue between 14th and 15th streets, in front of the Webb Administration Building.