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SB 25-014

Protecting the Freedom to Marry

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Judy Amabile and 54 co-sponsors

Replaces one-man-one-woman language, recognizing marriages as between two individuals and aligning state law with Obergefell and Amendment J.

Governor Signed
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Bill Summary · SB 25-014

SB 25-014 — Protecting the Freedom to Marry

Status: Governor signed into law (effective April 7, 2025)

Purpose

SB 25-014 repeals Colorado statutory language that defined marriage exclusively as a union "between one man and one woman," aligning state statute with the U.S. Supreme Court decision in Obergefell v. Hodges (2015) and with Colorado voters’ adoption of Amendment J (November 2024), which removed the same language from the state constitution.

Key provisions

  • Repeals the statutory prohibition that a marriage is valid only if between one man and one woman (amending Colorado Revised Statutes, primarily § 14-2-104).
  • Amends the Colorado Civil Union Act (Article 15):
    • Updates the definition of “marriage” to refer to “two individuals as partners in a personal relationship” (replacing “one man and one woman”).
    • Removes or revises statutory language asserting that Colorado public policy recognizes only man–woman marriages, and clarifies the construction of civil-union provisions in light of equality principles.
  • Preserves existing valid common-law marriages recognized under prior statutory timelines (as previously provided in statute).

Who is affected

  • Same-sex couples: removes remaining statutory barriers and clarifies that state law recognizes same‑sex marriages.
  • County clerks, courts, and other state and local agencies that administer marriage licensing, records, and related benefits — statutory language is conformed to existing practice.
  • Employers, benefit administrators, and legal practitioners: statutory text on marriage and civil unions is updated but existing rights, benefits, and obligations remain as applied under constitutional and judicial precedent.

Fiscal impact

  • The Legislative Council Staff final fiscal note (dated July 28, 2025) reports no fiscal impact to state or local governments for FY 2025‑26 and FY 2026‑27.
  • No appropriation required.

Background / Context

  • Obergefell v. Hodges (576 U.S. 644, 2015) requires states to grant and recognize same‑sex marriages.
  • Amendment J (approved by Colorado voters, Nov. 2024) removed the man‑and‑woman marriage language from the state constitution; SB 25‑014 brings statute into conformity.

Procedural history & effective date

  • Introduced in Senate: Jan. 8, 2025 (referred to State, Veterans, & Military Affairs)
  • Passed Senate (unamended): Feb. 4–5, 2025
  • Passed House (unamended): Mar. 25, 2025
  • Sent to Governor: Mar. 28, 2025
  • Governor signed: Apr. 7, 2025 — bill took effect upon signature (effective date: April 7, 2025)

Sponsors

Primary sponsors: Sen. Jessie Danielson; Reps. Lorena García and Brianna Titone. Multiple co‑sponsors from both chambers.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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