The Colorado Catholic Conference opposes SCR24-003, Protecting the Freedom to Marry.
The purpose of the resolution is to remove the following provision in the Colorado constitution: “only a union of one man and one woman shall be valid or recognized as a marriage in this state.” While Obergefell made same sex marriage status quo, there are still important considerations concerning a ballot measure to remove the definition of marriage from the constitution.
Marriage is based on the truth that men and women are complementary, the biological fact that reproduction depends on a man and a woman, and the social science that supports the reality that children need both a mother and a father to flourish.[1] SCR-003 therefore rejects the truth of what marriage is.
The role of married parents is crucial in society, as the function of mothering and fathering uniquely impact the emotional and intellectual development of the children, so that they too may become well-functioning members of society and continue posterity. This is why marriage between one man and one woman is proven to be the best anti-poverty, anti-crime, and pro-health institution. And every child has a natural right to a mother and father.
Bill sponsors introduced this bill out of concern over Justice Thomas’ concurring opinion in Dobbs v. Jackson (2022), that the Justices “should reconsider all of this Court’s substantive due process precedents, including Obergefell.” However, unlike Colorado’s 2022 abortion law RHEA to preempt Dobbs, no such federal case is pending to warrant this action by the legislature regarding Obergefell. Indeed, the legislature should preserve law that encourages the financial stability of families, especially in the current financial crisis.
The future of Colorado depends on the future of marriage. The future of marriage depends on Colorado citizens understanding what marriage is, why it matters and demanding that government policies support, not undermine, the reality of marriage.
The Colorado Catholic Conference asks for a “no” vote on SCR24-003.
[1] Ryan T. Anderson, “Marriage: What It Is, Why It Matters, and the Consequences of Redefining It,”