(ZENIT News / Los Ángeles, 11.07.2024).- In the recent election on November 5, California and Colorado voters decisively supported the removal of constitutional provisions defining marriage as a union between one man and one woman. Though the Supreme Court’s 2015 decision in “Obergefell v. Hodges” established marriage equality nationwide, these votes represent a concerted effort by states to align their constitutions with federal law and demonstrate a growing shift in public attitudes toward LGBTQ+ «rights» across the U.S.
With Nevada setting the precedent by repealing its marriage definition in 2020, California, Colorado, and likely Hawaii have followed suit, signaling a broader trend across states to solidify marriage equality at the local level. Colorado’s voters backed the amendment—termed “Protecting the Freedom to Marry” or Amendment J—with 63% in favor and 36% opposed. Advocacy group Freedom to Marry Colorado raised over $760,000 to support the measure, while opposition was limited, with the Catholic Bishops Conference of Colorado issuing the primary call to vote against it. The bishops also raised concerns about other initiatives, such as a separate constitutional amendment protecting abortion rights, which also passed.
California’s similar initiative garnered significant support, with 61% voting for the measure and 38% against. Unique to the California amendment is its designation of marriage as a fundamental right within the state constitution, a move that amplifies legal protections for same-sex marriage in the state. Some groups, such as the California Family Council, voiced concerns over this language, warning it might pave the way for legal challenges involving unconventional unions. However, there was minimal organized opposition, and proponents, including Governor Gavin Newsom and organizations like Planned Parenthood and the ACLU, raised over $3.4 million in support.
Meanwhile, Hawaii’s proposed Amendment 1—aimed at repealing the state legislature’s authority to restrict marriage to heterosexual unions—shows early results leaning toward approval, with 56% of votes in favor and 43% opposed. Hawaii’s voting regulations add complexity: blank votes are counted as votes against, and a simple majority is required for the amendment to pass.
The backdrop of these votes highlights changing national views. A 2023 Pew Research Center study found that 63% of Americans now support same-sex marriage, a steady increase from past decades. This growing acceptance reflects a significant cultural shift since 2004, when only 42% were in favor.
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