This resolution officially recognizes Boulder County Clerk Clela Rorex for her courageous decision in 1975 to issue the first marriage licenses to same-sex couples in the United States, advancing civil rights for all.
Joe Neguse
Representative
CO-2
This resolution formally recognizes Clela Rorex, the 1975 Boulder County Clerk who courageously issued the first marriage license to a same-sex couple in the United States. It honors her pioneering role in advancing civil rights for all couples, four decades before nationwide legalization. The bill also supports the designation of a "Clela Rorex Day" to commemorate her bravery and lasting legacy.
House Resolution Honors Clela Rorex: Recognizing 1975 Action That Issued First Same-Sex Marriage License
This resolution is all about giving formal recognition to Clela Rorex, the former Boulder County Clerk and Recorder who, back in 1975, issued the first marriage license to a same-sex couple in the United States. The resolution highlights that when a same-sex couple requested a license shortly after she took office, Rorex checked with the assistant district attorney and determined that Colorado law did not explicitly forbid it. She issued the license to Dave McCord and Dave Zamora, followed by five more over the next month, setting a major, early precedent for civil rights.
The Original Pioneer: 40 Years Ahead of the Curve
What makes Rorex’s action so significant is the timing. She issued those six licenses in April 1975—a full four decades before the Supreme Court’s 2015 Obergefell v. Hodges decision made same-sex marriage legal nationwide. This resolution recognizes her belief, influenced by the women's rights movement, that it wasn't her job to "legislate morality" and that she couldn't deny rights to anyone. Essentially, she used her administrative authority to push the boundaries of equality when the law was silent on the matter.
Courage in the Face of Condemnation
The resolution doesn't shy away from the real-world consequences Rorex faced. Issuing those licenses brought her national attention, condemnation, and a flood of death threats. Despite the danger and controversy, she continued her advocacy for the LGBTQ community throughout her life. This formal recognition by the House of Representatives serves to acknowledge that courage and the lifelong commitment to human rights that followed, including her work marching, volunteering, and donating to related causes.
Solidifying Her Legacy
For everyday people, especially those who value civil rights and equality, this resolution is a formal acknowledgment of a critical, early moment in the fight for marriage equality. It’s purely commemorative—meaning it doesn't change any laws or regulations—but it does officially recognize Rorex's contribution as a civil rights pioneer. Specifically, the resolution expresses support for the existing local designation of "Clela Rorex Day," which Boulder County declared on July 23, 2022, after her passing. This step ensures that her legacy, which paved the way for modern marriage equality, is permanently documented and celebrated at the federal level.