US: Colorado clerk refuses to stop issuing same-sex marriage licenses

Boulder County’s clerk Hillary Hall says she will continue issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples despite threats of unspecified legal action by Colorado Attorney General John Suthers.

The announcement made Tuesday comes after Hall was offered an extension by Suthers’ office to consider their request to ask the Colorado State Supreme Court to rule on whether or not she can continue issuing the licenses.

As part of the extension, Suthers’ office asked Hall to stop issuing licenses by noon Tuesday or face legal action. Hall has refused, telling The Denver Post: “This is not about politics. This is about people who love each other.”

Hall started performing same-sex marriages after the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals – whose jurisdiction includes Colorado – upheld a ruling striking down Utah’s same-sex marriage ban.

Despite the ruling, Colorado’s Amendment 43 – which defines marriage as only between a man and a woman – is still technically in effect, leaving Hall’s authority in question.

As of 27 June, Hall had issued 34 same-sex marriage licenses – including one to a state senator – despite the state maintaining this ban on same-sex marriage.

• Dec 01 2023

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