Rep. Neguse, Sens. Bennet & Hickenlooper Honor Coloradan and Champion for Equality, Clela Rorex
Rorex, the first person to issue a marriage license to a same-sex couple, passed away last June. She was 78 years old.
Lafayette, CO — Today, Colorado lawmakers Congressman Joe Neguse and Senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper introduced a resolution expressing support for the designation of ‘Clela Rorex Day,’ honoring the contributions of former Boulder County Clerk, Clela Rorex – a pioneer for civil rights and same-sex marriage. The resolution is supported by the entire delegation of democratic lawmakers in the House of Representatives, including Reps. Dianna DeGette (CO-01), Jason Crow (CO-06), Brittany Pettersen (CO-07), and Yadira Caraveo (CO-08).
In April 1975, 40 years before the Supreme Court legalized same-sex marriage nationwide, the Boulder County Clerk issued the first marriage license to a same-sex couple. At the time, Colorado State laws did not expressly prohibit granting a marriage license to a same-sex couple. Mrs. Rorex, continued to advocate on behalf of the LGBTQ+ community for the remainder of her time in public service and throughout her life.
In 2016, Mrs. Rorex said, "After having been so deeply involved in the women’s rights movements, who was I to then deny a right to anyone else? It wasn’t my job to legislate morality."
Clela passed away last summer in Longmont, Colorado. She was 78 years old.
The resolution states, “That the [Congress]—recognizes—the contributions of Clela Rorex as a pioneer for civil rights and same-sex marriage; the respect and bravery Clela had when issuing the first same-sex marriage license in the United States; and the courage Clela exhibited following the threats she received when she issued marriage licenses to same-sex couples; and expresses support for the designation of ‘Clela Rorex Day’.”
Read the full resolution HERE.
“Allies who take brave acts for the LGBTQ+ community must be celebrated and honored. Clela's issuance of the marriage licenses in 1975 was beyond brave. Honoring Clela Rorex with a national annual celebration is right for our country and right for the ongoing struggle to secure equality and justice for all,” said Mardi Moore, Executive Director of Out Boulder County.
The resolution is co-led in the House of Representatives by Congressman Mark Pocan (D-WI), Chair of the Congressional Equality Caucus.
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