In a pivotal moment for LGBTQ+ rights, voters in California, Colorado, and Hawaii are considering ballot measures to enshrine marriage equality within state laws. Although the U.S. Supreme Court legalized same-sex marriage nationwide in 2015, recent concerns about the security of this ruling have prompted states to seek their own protections for marriage equality.
These ballot measures are a response to worries that federal protections could be overturned, leaving states responsible for safeguarding marriage rights. By solidifying marriage equality through state legislation, supporters aim to ensure that LGBTQ+ couples continue to have the right to marry, regardless of future Supreme Court rulings.
The movement to codify marriage equality underscores the continued importance of state-level action in securing civil rights. If passed, these measures would not only protect LGBTQ+ rights in their respective states but could also serve as a model for other states aiming to preserve marriage equality.
