Religious leaders push back against conservative Christians who “misuse religion… for hatred”

A coalition of religious leaders in Colorado gathered on Tuesday to endorse a ballot measure that would remove language in the state constitution banning same-sex marriage.

Although same-sex marriage is legal in Colorado since a 2014 state supreme court decision ordered clerks in the state to start issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples and the Supreme Court legalized marriage equality in all 50 states a year later, leaders worry that the right-dominated Supreme Court may change that, as Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas suggested was possible in his opinion regarding the overturning of Roe v. Wade.

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Amendment J seeks to enshrine marriage equality in the state constitution by removing a constitutional amendment passed by voters in 2006, which defined marriage as only between a man and a woman.

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Susy Bates, the campaign director for Freedom to Marry Colorado, told Colorado News Line on a Tuesday call that “We are one bad decision away from overturning [Obergefell].”

“If that happens, the 2006 ban would go into effect and marriage for LGBTQ couples would immediately be at risk. We have to take action now to remove the ban and ensure protections for our communities,” Bates said.

Nearly 40 religious leaders from churches and temples across Colorado signed a letter supporting the ballot initiative, writing that their religious backgrounds and faith traditions compel them to do so.

The letter begins by saying, “As faith leaders and communities throughout the state of Colorado, we stand together in support of the freedom for LGBTQIA+ Coloradans to marry the person they love. We denounce discrimination based on gender, sex, sexuality, and family composition and proclaim together the sacredness of the LGBTQIA+ community.”

It also pushes back against far-right extremists who “misuse religion as a justification for hatred and discrimination against LGBTQIA+ Coloradans.”

“The message of love and compassion, justice and peace are central to our religious traditions.”

It explicitly suggests that voters support Amendment J in order to protect Coloradoeans in same-sex relationships.

“On November 5, 2024, Colorado voters will have the opportunity to vote to remove the current ban on marriage for same-sex couples in our constitution (Amendment 43). Narrowly passed in 2006, this amendment defines marriage as between one man and one woman. Even though the historic U.S. Supreme Court case, Obergefell v Hodges rightly decided that the freedom to marry is the law of the land, recent remarks by Supreme Court Justices Alito and Thomas have put the right to marry for same-sex couples at risk. If it is overturned, marriage for same-sex couples in Colorado would no longer be legal unless we repeal this archaic ban in our constitution. “

The letter also gives five reasons why faith leaders are supporting Amendment J: Honoring the sacred dignity of every person, respecting our religious freedom, LGBTQIA+ people are beloved, building a Colorado with compassion and justice, and upholding marriage as a sacred commitment.

Colorado voters can say “yes” to Amendment J on November 5th. The amendment will need to be approved by 55% of voters.

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