Colorado in 2006: A Case Study of How to Win Same-Sex Relationship Recognition in the Future

SUMMARY

A memo outlining the lessons to be learned about public attitudes toward same-sex relationships, based on a pair of 2006 ballot measures in Colorado.

The 2006 mid-term elections presented an opportunity to gain tremendous insight into America’s current views towards gay and lesbian relationships. In particular, Colorado provided an ideal laboratory to understand voters’ attitudes and deeper feelings in this arena. Voters there faced two ballot measures addressing same-sex relationships—Amendment 43, a proposed state constitutional ban on gay marriage, and Referendum I (“eye”), a proposal to “extend to same-sex couples in a Domestic Partnership the benefits, protections and responsibilities that are granted by Colorado law to spouses.” Coloradans passed the marriage ban 56-44% and voted down domestic partnerships 53-47%. In order to better understand voters’ views towards domestic partnerships in Colorado, Third Way, together with the Victory Fund, conducted an 800 person post-election poll through Zogby International. The poll demonstrated that many Coloradans were “gray” on the issue of same-sex relationships, expressing simultaneous support and ambivalence towards same-sex relationships.

To read this Memo, open the attached PDF