Recent election results from California, Colorado, and Hawaii signal a significant shift in the way marriage is defined in these states, removing constitutional amendments that had previously defined marriage strictly as a union between one man and one woman.
These changes are part of a broader trend toward reexamining the traditional definition of marriage, though the impact is largely symbolic.
While the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2015 decision in Obergefell v. Hodges already legalized same-sex marriage nationwide, these state-level amendments are being repealed, aligning their state constitutions with this broader legal framework.
Nevada was the first state to make this change in 2020, and now California, Colorado, and Hawaii have followed suit.
Colorado’s Voter Decision
In Colorado, voters overwhelmingly chose to remove the language from the state constitution that defined marriage as “only a union of one man and one woman,” with 63% voting in favor of Amendment J.
Opponents, including the Colorado bishops, had urged Catholics to vote against the amendment, citing concerns over its implications for other issues such as abortion rights.
Despite this opposition, the amendment passed with little resistance.
The proponent group, Freedom to Marry Colorado, raised significant funds for the campaign, although there was no formal campaign opposing it.
California’s Overwhelming Support
California followed suit, with 61% of voters supporting the removal of the state’s traditional marriage definition.
The amendment not only struck the definition but also introduced the “right to marry” as a fundamental right in the state constitution.
While groups like the California Family Council opposed the measure, citing potential long-term impacts on marriage and family policies, major organizations, including Planned Parenthood and the ACLU, supported the change.
The measure passed with no active opposition campaigns reported, and significant funds were raised to support its passage.
Hawaii’s Progress Toward Change
In Hawaii, the outcome of the marriage amendment is still pending but is expected to pass, as it currently leads by more than 10 points.
Supporters of the amendment, which seeks to repeal the state’s power to limit marriage to a union between a man and a woman, have raised over $79,000.
Though there has been no notable opposition campaign, the amendment’s passage seems likely.
Support for the measure comes from groups such as the ACLU of Hawaii and the Democratic Party of Hawaii, while the Hawaii Catholic bishops chose not to take a public stance.
Growing Support for Same-Sex Marriage in the U.S.
National support for same-sex marriage continues to grow.
According to a 2023 Pew Research survey, 63% of Americans now support the legalization of same-sex marriage.
This reflects a steady rise in support over the past two decades, particularly between 2004 and 2017.
California and Colorado’s voting patterns are consistent with this national trend, as voters in both states chose to align their state constitutions with the broader legal recognition of same-sex marriage.
The Catholic Church’s Stance
Despite the increasing legalization of same-sex marriage, the Catholic Church maintains its traditional view on marriage and family.
In its 2023 document Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship, the U.S. bishops reaffirmed that marriage should be between a man and a woman, emphasizing the family as the “first and fundamental unit of society.”
The Church also teaches that homosexual individuals are called to chastity but condemns any unjust discrimination against them.
These state amendments reflect a broader cultural shift, but the Catholic Church remains steadfast in its doctrine, continuing to advocate for its traditional teachings on marriage.
This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!
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