Though he openly (and very publicly) pushed for the state to allow civil unions last year, Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper came out in support of same-sex marriage this week in what 9News calls “the political equivalent of a whisper.”
The announcement almost went unnoticed, according to reports, because Hickenlooper’s new position in favor of same-sex marriage was buried at the bottom of a press release issued by LGBT group One Colorado.
It reads:
Governor John Hickenlooper: “We have advocated for equal rights for all Coloradans and we will continue to advocate for equal rights for all Coloradans. Last year, Colorado took a historic step forward when we passed bipartisan legislation recognizing civil unions. If all men and women truly have the inalienable right to pursue happiness, and if all people are created equal, then by extension of law, logic, and love, every adult couple should also have the freedom to join in marriage.”
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Colorado is one of 33 states with a current ban on same-sex marriage. Though One Colorado’s Dave Montez tells 9News that Hickenlooper’s “support for gay and lesbian families is no secret,” he has never before issued a statement like this.
Hickenlooper denied comment. The governor’s spokesman Eric Brown told 9News “the quote in the press release speaks for itself.”
9News reports:
“This is totally [Hickenlooper’s] M.O.,” said Kelly Maher with the conservative group Compass Colorado. “The guy is totally incapable of just standing up and saying ‘this is what I believe.’ He gets away with it all the time.”
However, if actions speak louder than words, the governor’s recent actions have certainly shown comfort with same-sex marriages. Hickenlooper signed a bill into law this year that will enable same-sex couples to file joint Colorado tax returns if they marry in other states.
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