Proponents of same-sex marriage gathered in downtown Denver Wednesday evening at a boisterous rally where love and politics was in the air.
The event, organized by Why Marriage Matters Colorado, drew more than 200 people who listened to LGBT community leaders, politicians and clergy in front of the Byron White United States Courthouse at 18th and Stout streets.
“My point of view is I feel a sense of optimism,” said Tim Gill, a software entrepreneur and Democratic activist. “Not just because of Monday, but because of what has been happening over the past several years.”
On Monday the U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear all appeals on same-sex marriage cases, paving the way for recognition of same-sex marriages in several states, including Colorado.
On Tuesday, the Colorado Supreme Court lifted injunctions against three county clerks, allowing them to begin issuing same-sex marriage licenses. Colorado Attorney General John Suthers, a Republican, then ordered all 64 counties to issue same-sex marriage licenses statewide.
Gill told the crowd about same-sex partners who had been discriminated against over the years, people who had lost jobs, or suffered other forms of discrimination, because of their sexual orientation.
Gill, and other speakers after him, urged the crowd to be politically active by supporting LGBT issues, as well as politicians and candidates who support like issues.
Among speakers at the event were Gov. John Hickenlooper, U.S. Sen. Mark Udall, Speaker of the Colorado House of Representatives Mark Ferrandino and State Sen. Pat Steadman, all Democrats.
“It was not a matter of if, but a matter of when,” Ferrandino said, refering to this week’s long-awaited developments on same-sex marriages.
Steadman, who has worked with Ferrandino on LGBT issues in the state legislature, opened his remarks by saying: “Dearly beloved…”
The crowd roared its approval, as it did often throughout the 90 minute program.
Steadman admitted to using his opening remark in the past, but on Wednesday it “seemed for more appropriate.
“This is an instance in which love has won.”
Kieran Nicholson: 303-954-1822, knicholson@denverpost.com or
