Over 40 Faith Leaders Announce Support of Same-Gender Marriage

Leo

Leaders of many different faiths are asking to be heard as they defend the rights of LGBTQ+ Coloradans, stating that same-gender marriage should be protected by the Colorado Constitution. With Project 2025 looming overhead, the need for state protections of queer rights is more important than ever.

Amendment 43 to the Colorado Constitution defines marriage as being between one man and one woman. Over 40 interfaith religious leaders released a letter calling on their colleagues to vote “Yes on J” in the coming November election. This vote would repeal the amendment which bans same-gender marriage. The leaders from many different religious sects come together under five tenets of why they support same-gender marriage. The excerpt below is taken from their letter:

Honoring the Sacred Dignity of Every Person: Our faiths teach that every person is inherently sacred and deserving of dignity and respect. This principle compels us to oppose any laws or actions that discriminate against LGBTQIA+ individuals.
Respecting Our Religious Freedom: Our sacred texts affirm and celebrate human expressions of love and partnership. Denying marriage rights based on gender or sexual orientation is against the teachings and practices of our faiths. True religious freedom includes the right of our communities to perform same-sex marriages as a sacred rite without government interference.
LGBTQIA+ People Are Beloved: Being LGBTQIA+ is a fundamental aspect of a person’s identity, not a moral defect. Singling out individuals for discrimination violates the basic principles of fairness and equality that our faiths uphold.
Building a Colorado with Compassion and Justice: Our spiritual convictions call us to create a community founded on compassion and justice. Discriminatory laws and practices are contrary to these values and harm the very fabric of our society.
Upholding Marriage as a Sacred Commitment: Love and commitment are sacred values that should be celebrated and honored. Marriage, as an expression of these values, should be available to all, regardless of gender or sexual orientation.

To see so many different faiths coming together to support same-gender marriage is monumental, especially for many queer people who have felt discarded by religion. To find ways to support the cause, please visit freedomtomarryco.org.

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