Senate Bill 24-0001

SENATE:

• Benny Harrison

• Mark Cho

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES:

• Emma Johnston

• Julia Willis

• Charlie Walker

This bill proposes an amendment to the state constitution to explicitly guarantee the right to same-sex marriage. The amendment would enshrine marriage equality as a constitutional right, affirming that no individual may be denied the right to marry another person of the same sex. The bill aims to safeguard marriage equality from future legislative or judicial challenges and align the state's legal framework with the protections recognized by federal law.

• Constitutional Amendment: Adds a new section to the state constitution that affirms the right of all individuals, regardless of gender, to marry a person of their choice.

• Non-Discrimination Clause: Ensures that all existing state laws related to marriage, including benefits, privileges, and responsibilities, apply equally to same-sex marriages.

• Enforcement: Prohibits state and local governments, as well as private entities acting under state law, from denying or restricting same-sex couples' rights to marry.

This amendment is designed to solidify the progress made toward marriage equality and protect the rights of same-sex couples. By embedding the right to same-sex marriage in the constitution, the state ensures lasting legal protection for all couples, regardless of gender or sexual orientation.

SECTION 5. Act subject to petition - effective date. This act takes effect at 12:01 a.m. on the day following the expiration of the ninety-day period after final adjournment of the general assembly; except that, if a referendum petition is filed pursuant to section 1 (3) of article V of the state constitution against this act or an item, section, or part of this act within such period, then the act, item, section, or part will not take effect unless approved by the people at the general election to be held in November 2024 and, in such case, will take effect on the date of the official declaration of the vote thereon by the governor.

Bill Text