1,000 Celebrate Supreme Court Ruling On Same-Sex Marriages At State Capitol
DENVER (CBS4)- Some 1,000 people descended on the state Capitol on Friday evening to celebrate the Supreme Court's landmark ruling on same-sex marriage.
"This is a momentous win for freedom, equality, inclusion and above all, love!" said one speaker to a crowd of cheering celebrants on the west steps of the state Capitol.
The decision means all 50 states must issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples and recognize those unions from other states. It also means same-sex couples are entitled to the same benefits all married couples receive.
"I have two lesbian moms and I am really proud I have two lesbian moms," said Jackson Moore.
"I came out at a great time, everyone's rallying around each other for a great cause," said Ryan Holly.
PHOTO GALLERY: Hundreds Celebrate Same-Sex Ruling At State Capitol
Hundreds of people from across Colorado joined state lawmakers and advocates in a celebration of the Supreme Court's historic ruling that same-sex marriage is a constitutional right.
"This is a great day to be a Coloradan and an even greater day to be an American," said Gov. John Hickenlooper.
Colorado began recognizing same-sex marriages in October 2014 but now couples can feel more secure in making that choice.
"We think about, if we want to retire someplace, we sit and look at a checkerboard map thinking, 'Where can we go? Where can we not go? What's our quality of life going to be like?' This changes everything," said Hillary Gilfand.
While same-sex couples have legal benefits through marriage, there are still states that do not protect against discrimination at work, home, school or even hospitals.
Everyone at the rally has hope this is the first step to making those changes.
"We've got a long way to go but it's definitely a step in the right direction," said Logan Peters.
"And I think our hope is that in another generation is that your kids and my kid are going to look back and say, 'Why was this so controversial?' Right?" said Hickenlooper.
