Bill Summary
This resolution recognizes Clela Rorex for her significant contributions to civil rights, particularly regarding same-sex marriage. In 1975, as the county clerk of Boulder County, Colorado, Rorex made history by issuing the first marriage license to a same-sex couple, Dave McCord and Dave Zamora, despite facing threats and backlash. The resolution honors her bravery and leadership in advancing LGBTQ rights, acknowledges the challenges she faced, and celebrates her legacy, culminating in the declaration of July 23, 2022, as "Clela Rorex Day" in Boulder County. The House of Representatives resolves to formally recognize her pioneering role in civil rights and expresses support for this commemorative day.
Possible Impacts
The legislation recognizing Clela Rorex's contributions and the establishment of "Clela Rorex Day" can have significant impacts on various individuals and groups. Here are three examples of how this recognition could affect people:
1. **Increased Visibility and Acceptance for LGBTQ+ Individuals:**
By honoring Clela Rorex and her pioneering role in issuing the first same-sex marriage license, this legislation highlights the importance of LGBTQ+ rights and acceptance. It can empower LGBTQ+ individuals by underscoring their right to marry and live openly without fear of discrimination. This recognition can foster a more inclusive environment and encourage similar advocacy efforts, ultimately promoting societal acceptance.
2. **Inspiration for Future Activists and Leaders:**
The acknowledgment of Clela Rorex's bravery and commitment to civil rights serves as a powerful example for current and future activists. It can inspire individuals to engage in social justice movements and advocate for their own rights or the rights of marginalized communities. This recognition can lead to more people standing up against injustices and working toward equality in various forms.
3. **Educational Opportunities and Awareness:**
The establishment of "Clela Rorex Day" provides an opportunity for education about the history of LGBTQ+ rights and the ongoing struggles for equality. Schools, community organizations, and advocacy groups can use this day to promote discussions, workshops, and events that raise awareness about civil rights issues. Such educational initiatives can help inform the public about the importance of inclusivity and the historical context of LGBTQ+ rights, fostering a more informed and empathetic society.
[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 319 Introduced in House (IH)]
<DOC>
119th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. RES. 319
Recognizing the contributions of Clela Rorex, pioneering county clerk
who advanced civil rights for all couples seeking to be married in
1975.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
April 9, 2025
Mr. Neguse (for himself, Ms. DeGette, Ms. Pettersen, Mr. Crow, and Mr.
Takano) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the
Committee on the Judiciary
_______________________________________________________________________
RESOLUTION
Recognizing the contributions of Clela Rorex, pioneering county clerk
who advanced civil rights for all couples seeking to be married in
1975.
Whereas Clela Ann Rorex was born in Denver on July 23, 1943, to Ruby Rorex, a
dance and theater teacher, and Cecil Rorex, who served as Clerk of Routt
County, Colorado, for 30 years, where Clela grew up in Steamboat
Springs;
Whereas Clela earned her bachelor's degree from the University of Colorado
Boulder in 1973 and a master's degree in Public Administration from the
University of Colorado Denver in 1981;
Whereas Clela, at the age of 31, became Boulder County Clerk and Recorder in
January 1975;
Whereas, in 1975, when a same-sex couple requested a marriage license in Boulder
County, Clela consulted the assistant district attorney and learned that
Colorado State laws did not specifically prohibit granting a marriage
license to a same-sex couple;
Whereas, as a newly elected county clerk, Clela issued a marriage license to
Dave McCord and Dave Zamora, the first marriage license issued to a
same-sex couple in the United States;
Whereas Clela was quoted in 2016 as saying, ``After having been so deeply
involved in the women's rights movements, who was I to then deny a right
to anyone else? It wasn't my job to legislate morality.'';
Whereas, over the next month, Clela issued five more marriage licenses to same-
sex couples;
Whereas national news outlets circulated Clela's groundbreaking story, after
which she reported receiving a deluge of death threats and condemnation
in hundreds of letters and phone calls to the Boulder County Clerk's
office;
Whereas Clela issued marriage licenses to six same-sex couples in Boulder
County, Colorado, in April 1975, 40 years before the Supreme Court
legalized same-sex marriage nationwide in 2015;
Whereas, in 2014, a series of court rulings cleared the way for same-sex
marriages in Colorado;
Whereas, despite the threats and for decades, Clela continued her advocacy
efforts on behalf of the LGBTQ community including marching,
volunteering, and donating to LGBTQ efforts;
Whereas Clela was 78 years old when she died on June 19, 2022, in Longmont,
Colorado;
Whereas due to her advocacy for human rights, Boulder County, Colorado, declared
July 23, 2022, as ``Clela Rorex Day''; and
Whereas Clela should be recognized for her leadership as a national civil rights
leader, paving the way for countless individuals: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
(1) recognizes--
(A) the contributions of Clela Rorex as a pioneer
for civil rights and same-sex marriage;
(B) the respect and bravery Clela had when issuing
the first same-sex marriage license in the United
States; and
(C) the courage Clela exhibited following the
threats she received when she issued marriage licenses
to same-sex couples; and
(2) expresses support for the designation of ``Clela Rorex
Day''.
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