Valentine’s Day takes new meaning this year in what Denver’s top politicians and advocates say is the first time all committed couples can tie the knot.
Four months after , city and state politicians came together Friday to recognize the progress in marriage equality and mark how the annual day of hearts and love has another reason to bring exaltation.
“I think it’s important for us to celebrate,” said Dave Montez, executive director of the statewide LGBT advocacy group One Colorado. “I think it’s important for us to look back and see how far we’ve come.”
The Denver clerk and recorder’s office for the seventh straight year offered free marriage licenses Friday, complete with prizes including hotel stays, restaurant vouchers and even a couple of airline tickets. “It has a new meaning,” said Debra Johnson, the clerk and recorder.
Johnson said her office was expecting a record-breaking turnout of more than 100 couples to get hitched by the end of the day.
“Love is in the air,” she said.
Mayor Michael Hancock touted the marriage-equality progress, noting how much has been done in a year’s time.
“It’s not so much about politics,” he said. “It’s not about laws.”
Judge Herb Galchinsky sat in his streaming black gown, ready and waiting to marry couples lining up to get hitched.
Galchinsky said he has presided over the city’s celebration for several years and that he welcomes same-sex marriage as a part of Colorado law that’s been a long time coming.
“I think love is universal,” he said during a brief pause in the waves of loving couples shuffling in and out.
Jesse Paul: 303-954-1733, jpaul@denverpost.com or twitter.com/jesseapaul
