Love Wins in the Centennial State: The Fight for Marriage Equality in Colorado

by Jennifer Stapleton (she/her)

Founding Partner | Fire & Bliss Creative

Certified LGBT Business Enterprise, Certified Woman-Owned Business

As the November election approaches, Colorado voters will have the opportunity to protect marriage equality in the state constitution by voting “Yes” on Amendment J. This critical ballot measure comes at a pivotal moment, as the Supreme Court’s conservative majority threatens to overturn the landmark Obergefell v. Hodges decision that legalized same-sex marriage nationwide in 2015.

For couples like Georgie Aguirre and Emily Rutledge, the stakes couldn’t be higher. The two met on a dating app in 2023, falling quickly for each other’s unapologetic authenticity and protective nature. “I just knew she was the one,” says Georgie. “She makes me feel safe in a way I’ve never experienced before.”

The couple got engaged during a trip to Sayulita, Mexico, with Georgie planning an elaborate proposal that was nearly derailed by their five children. “The kids were supposed to hold up signs, but of course they messed it all up,” Georgie laughs. “Emily saw ‘Will you marry me, baby?’ and just said yes before I could even ask.”

Amazingly, Emily had brought an engagement ring as well on the trip, ready to “pop the question.”

Their blended family includes 11-year-old twins, a 12-year-old, and two adopted siblings, ages 12 and 10. Georgie and Emily were drawn to Colorado’s natural beauty and progressive values. Emily felt like “animals in a zoo” in her previous home of Louisiana. “We wanted our kids to grow up in a place where they didn’t have to constantly worry about judgment or discrimination,” says Emily.

But their hard-won happiness could be upended if the ban on same-sex marriage (Amendment 43), which narrowly passed in 2006, and defines marriage as between one man and one woman, is not removed from the Colorado Constitution. Luckily Colorado voters will have the opportunity to vote on that this year. Amendment J is on the ballot in 2024 and if passed, would remove that language and clear the way for marriage equality in Colorado, no matter what happens at the Federal level.

Without constitutional protection, the couple fears they could lose the right to marry, jeopardizing the legal and financial safeguards they’ve carefully put in place. “It’s not just a piece of paper to us,” Georgie explains. “It’s about having our relationship recognized and respected, and making sure Emily has the same rights as any other spouse if something were to happen to me.”

The potential consequences extend far beyond the personal. If the Supreme Court overturns Obergefell, individual states would be free to ban same-sex marriage, creating a patchwork of rights across the country. Colorado could become a safe haven, but only if voters approve Amendment J.

“This isn’t just about us – it’s about protecting LGBTQ+ families for generations to come,” says Emily. “We’ve worked so hard to build the life we have, and I can’t imagine having to uproot our kids and move again just to preserve our right to be married.”

The fight for marriage equality has been long and arduous, with incremental victories at the state level preceding the Obergefell ruling. Now, Colorado has the chance to solidify its status as a beacon of inclusion, sending a powerful message that love truly does win.

“If Colorado doesn’t want us, we’ll pack up and go somewhere that does,” says Georgie. “But I have to believe most people here see us as equals, worthy of the same dignity and respect as any other couple. That’s what this vote is all about.”

“We’re choosing to believe in the goodness of our neighbors,” Emily says. “But we’re also prepared to keep fighting for our rights, no matter what happens.”

As Election Day approaches, Freedom to Marry Colorado, a campaign  in support of Amendment J,  is ramping up its efforts. Recent polling shows 72% of Coloradans support  Amendment J, but campaign leaders warn against complacency. “Every vote counts,” says Susy Bates, Campaign Director. “We need Coloradans to show up and affirm that love is love.”