Washington, D.C. – Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet today cosponsored a resolution recognizing June 26 as LGBTQ Equality Day. This day marks the anniversary of three critical U.S. Supreme Court decisions that advanced LGBTQ equality: Lawrence v. Texas (2003), which invalidated laws criminalizing the private intimate conduct of same-sex couples; United States v. Windsor (2013), which ensured that same-sex couples legally married under state law had access to all of the rights, benefits, and protections under federal law; and Obergefell v. Hodges (2015), which established that same-sex couples have a constitutional right to marry, bringing marriage equality to the entire nation.
“Today marks an important date for LGBTQ communities across the country,” Bennet said. “Last week’s Pride Parade in Denver celebrated the progress we’ve made toward full LGBTQ equality and energized us for the work that lies ahead. We will continue to fight for freedom from discrimination and equal opportunities for all members of the LGBTQ community.”
Earlier this year, Bennet reintroduced the Equality Act of 2017, comprehensive federal legislation to ban discrimination against LGBTQ Americans. The bill would ensure full federal non-discrimination equality by adding sexual orientation and gender identity to other protected classes, such as race or religion, in existing federal laws.