Bill Summary
This resolution honors Clela Rorex, who, as Boulder County Clerk in 1975, became a pioneer for civil rights by issuing the first marriage license to a same-sex couple in the United States. The resolution acknowledges her early life, education, and the significant moment when she recognized that Colorado state laws did not prohibit issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples. Despite facing backlash and threats, Rorex remained an advocate for LGBTQ rights throughout her life. The resolution also commemorates her contributions by designating March 26, 2025, as "Clela Rorex Day," recognizing her bravery and leadership in advancing civil rights for all.
Possible Impacts
The legislation recognizing Clela Rorex's contributions to civil rights and same-sex marriage can have several effects on people, including:
1. **Inspiration for LGBTQ+ Advocacy**: By highlighting Clela Rorex's bravery and pioneer work in issuing the first same-sex marriage licenses, this resolution can inspire individuals in the LGBTQ+ community and allies to continue advocating for equality and civil rights. It serves as a reminder of the progress made and the importance of standing up for rights, encouraging activism and participation in civil rights movements.
2. **Increased Awareness and Education**: The recognition of Clela's contributions can lead to increased awareness about the history of same-sex marriage and the struggles faced by the LGBTQ+ community. Educational programs and events on "Clela Rorex Day" can promote dialogue about civil rights, helping to educate the public on important historical figures and events that shaped current laws and societal norms.
3. **Promotion of Inclusivity and Acceptance**: Designating a day in honor of Clela Rorex reinforces the message of inclusivity and acceptance within society. It encourages individuals and organizations to reflect on the importance of civil rights for all, fostering a culture that values diversity and equality. This can lead to more supportive environments for LGBTQ+ individuals, influencing policies and practices in workplaces, schools, and communities.
[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. Res. 163 Introduced in Senate (IS)]
<DOC>
119th CONGRESS
1st Session
S. RES. 163
Recognizing the contributions of Clela Rorex, a pioneering county clerk
who, in 1975, advanced civil rights for all couples seeking to be
married.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
April 9, 2025
Mr. Bennet (for himself and Mr. Hickenlooper) submitted the following
resolution; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary
_______________________________________________________________________
RESOLUTION
Recognizing the contributions of Clela Rorex, a pioneering county clerk
who, in 1975, advanced civil rights for all couples seeking to be
married.
Whereas Clela Ann Rorex (referred to in this preamble as ``Clela'') was born in
Denver on July 23, 1943;
Whereas Ruby Rorex, the mother of Clela, was a dance and theater teacher, and
Cecil Rorex, the father of Clela, served for 30 years as clerk of Routt
County, Colorado, 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, in January 1975, at the age of 31, Clela became the Boulder County
Clerk and Recorder;
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, after issuing the first marriage license to a same-sex couple in 1975,
Clela issued 5 more marriage licenses to same-sex couples over the next
month;
Whereas national news outlets circulated the groundbreaking story of Clela
issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples, after which Clela
reported receiving a deluge of death threats and condemnation in
hundreds of letters and phone calls to the Boulder County Clerk's
office;
Whereas, despite the threats, Clela continued her advocacy efforts on behalf of
the LGBTQ community, including by marching, volunteering, and donating
to LGBTQ efforts for decades;
Whereas, in 2014, a series of court rulings cleared the way for same-sex
marriages in Colorado, and, in 2015, the Supreme Court of the United
States legalized same-sex marriage nationwide, 40 years after Clela
issued the first same-sex marriage license in the United States;
Whereas Clela was 78 years old when she died on June 19, 2022, in Longmont,
Colorado;
Whereas, in honor of Clela and her advocacy for human rights, Boulder County,
Colorado, declared July 23, 2022, to be ``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 Senate--
(1) recognizes--
(A) the contributions of Clela Rorex as a pioneer
for civil rights and same-sex marriage;
(B) the respect and bravery Clela Rorex
demonstrated when issuing the first same-sex marriage
license in the United States; and
(C) the courage Clela Rorex exhibited following the
threats she received when she issued marriage licenses
to same-sex couples; and
(2) designates March 26, 2025, as ``Clela Rorex Day''.
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