Amendment J – Repeal “Valid Marriage” Definition in Constitution

Amendment J would repeal Article II, Section 31 of the CO Constitution, which reads: “Only a union of one man and one woman shall be valid or recognized as a marriage in this state.” Voters approved this language in 2006.

Amendment J requires only a simple majority of votes to pass because it is not adding any language to the constitution; rather, Amendment J is repealing language that only required a simple majority back in 2006 to pass. All the other amendments on your ballot require 55% of the vote to pass.

Colorado’s ban on same-sex marriage has been ruled unconstitutional by the courts, so removing this constitutional definition of marriage would align with current federal and state rulings.

Recommendation: YES

If the language remains in the constitution and the Supreme Court of the US (SCOTUS) were to overturn its ruling and decide that bans on same-sex marriage are legal, then this “valid marriage” definition would be in force again. To SCOTUS-proof its constitution, Colorado should repeal this language.

Website for the Yes Side (Freedom to Marry Colorado)
https://www.freedomtomarryco.com/

Website for the No Side
No known website – Info on an opposition website appreciated.


Approved Ballot Language
Amendment J (CONSTITUTIONAL)

Shall there be an amendment to the Colorado constitution removing the ban on same-sex marriage?

YES/FOR ___
NO/AGAINST ___

SCR24-003 to refer Amendment J to the voters
https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/scr24-003