Denver, CO -- One Colorado, the state’s leading advocacy organization for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) Coloradans, released the following statement in response to comments made regarding Obergefell and SCOTUS nomination:

"As Coloradans begin receiving their ballots in the coming days, U.S. Senator Cory Gardner has pledged to confirm Judge Amy Coney Barrett to the U.S. Supreme Court before Coloradans express their wishes on who should confirm the next Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court. On the first day of the U.S. Supreme Court's new term, Justices Samuel Alito and Clarence Thomas openly expressed their hostility toward and willingness to overturn the landmark ruling Obergefell v. Hodges, a decision that established the constitutional right of marriage to same-sex couples across the nation. Obergefell stands in a long line of U.S. Supreme Court case law that solidifies the rights of LGBTQ Americans. Judge Amy Coney Barrett’s record on the Obergefell case is equally damning as the Justices' comments. Barrett has stated that the court wrongly decided the Obergefell case and should instead, return the issue back to state legislatures, forcing LGBTQ people to lobby those in power who are openly hostile to LGBTQ rights and once again rely on the tyranny of the majority to grant rights as they see fit. Just a few years ago, Barrett spoke and received speaking fees from the Alliance Defending Freedom, or ADF, a group whose president has openly stated that they welcome the overturning of Obergefell, and now aim to undermine LGBTQ legal protections. Not only would Judge Amy Coney Barrett threaten the legal protections that LGBTQ people have fought for at the Courthouse, but her vote may also strip LGBTQ Coloradans of health care protections granted under the Affordable Care Act. The comments made by Justices Alito and Thomas already signal hostility toward LGBTQ rights, and One Colorado and its partners will not idly stand by.The stakes are high, yet again, for LGBTQ Coloradans while U.S. Senator Cory Gardner is pursuing a confirmation vote that would directly harm the constituents whose vote he is asking for right now. One Colorado has already activated its supporters following the passing of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, and we now ask our community and allies to again make their voices heard by denouncing this U.S. Supreme Court nomination, and urging Senator Gardner to take a stand and not cast a vote for a Judge whose views, actions, and words threatens the rights of LGBTQ Coloradans."

‍-Branden Shafer, Political & Organizing Manager, One Colorado