LGBT Breaking News: Colorado Overturns Same-Sex Marriage Ban!

U.S. District Judge Raymond P. Moore ruled against Colorado’s constitutional amendment banning marriage equality. In Burns v. Hickenlooper, attorneys with Kilmer, Lane and Newman, LLP sued the state on behalf of six same-sex couples who argue that Colorado’s ban on marriage equality violates the U.S. Constitution. Judge Moore stayed his ruling until August 25 to allow the state time to appeal to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit.

“Today’s ruling from Judge Moore provides even further confirmation that Colorado’s ban on marriage equality is unconstitutional,” said Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Legal Director Sarah Warbelow. “Through civil unions, Colorado has already recognized the need for same-sex couples to have equal access to the benefits and obligations of marriage. Now its time for the state to stop its appeal and allow these families the dignity that comes with full marriage equality.”

Mari Newman, the attorney for the gay couples, told the judge on Tuesday that "justice delayed is justice denied." Newman made comparisons between gay marriage opponents and former Alabama Gov. George C. Wallace. "I think it's fair to say that in this topic, those who are opposing marriage equality are ultimately going to be viewed like George Wallace standing on the schoolhouse steps trying to keep people out," she said.

With information from the HRC Blog