“Central…to our constitution’s guarantee of equal protection is the principle that government…remain open on impartial terms to all who seek its assistance.”
–Justice Anthony Kennedy
Romer v. Evans
Since 1969 the gay rights movement has been gaining strength and making waves. When several towns in Colorado made it illegal to discriminate against people based on their sexual orientation, controversy erupted.
Critics complained that the local laws gave gays special rights. Colorado voters amended the state constitution to prohibit those laws.
In response, a Denver municipal employee took Colorado to court—and won.
Today, in a 6-3 vote, the Supreme Court said the state’s amendment violates the U.S. Constitution's promise of equal protection. No state can make any group “a stranger to its laws.”
