Senate Resolution Honors Clela Rorex, Pioneer Who Issued First Same-Sex Marriage License in 1975

This resolution is a formal recognition by the Senate of Clela Rorex, the former Boulder County Clerk and Recorder who made history in 1975. Back then, Rorex issued the very first marriage license to a same-sex couple in the United States, Dave McCord and Dave Zamora, simply by applying existing law that didn't explicitly forbid it. The resolution aims to ensure her pioneering action in the fight for civil rights is permanently remembered, and it formally designates March 26, 2025, as Clela Rorex Day.

The Real-World Impact of a Clerk’s Courage

This isn't a bill that changes taxes or regulations; it’s about acknowledging a crucial moment in the history of civil rights. Rorex's decision, made when she was just 31, kicked off a national conversation about marriage equality decades before it became the law of the land in 2015. For those who remember the long, difficult fight for marriage equality, this resolution validates the early, risky steps taken by people like Rorex. It highlights that change often starts at the local level with individuals who decide to apply the law fairly, even when it means facing massive backlash, including death threats and angry calls, as Rorex did.

Setting the Record Straight on History

The resolution serves as an important historical marker, officially recognizing Rorex’s bravery and her decades of continued advocacy for the LGBTQ+ community. It notes the 40-year gap between her initial action in 1975 and the Supreme Court’s decision in 2015. By setting aside March 26, 2025, as Clela Rorex Day, the Senate is ensuring that her role as a civil rights leader is formally woven into the national narrative. This kind of resolution helps educate the public, especially younger generations, about the often-overlooked milestones that paved the way for current rights and freedoms, reminding us that progress is often incremental and requires personal courage.