On Friday, I released my policy paper supporting Denver's LGBT community. I am the only candidate in the mayoral race that has a stand-alone platform specifically addressing the issues of concern to Denver's LGBT citizens and their families.
As mayor, I will work to ensure Denver treats all its citizens and employees equally, regardless of sexual orientation. All Denverites deserve the opportunity to work fairly, live safely, and care for the ones we love.
An inclusive city respects the rights of every citizen. My plan as mayor includes standing up for marriage equality, giving LGBT citizens a voice in City Hall, caring for youth and aging LGBT Denverites, and working to make the streets of Denver safe for everyone.
I'm proud to stand by my strong record of support for Denver's LGBT citizens. In addition to being endorsed by One Colorado during my 2010 state senate campaign, I have:
- Publicly announced my full support for Senate Bill 11-172, which would allow for civil unions, as well as backing full marriage equity for all Coloradans. I was the first mayoral candidate to do so.
- As a state senator, I supported and voted for SB 08-200 to expand Colorado's anti-discrimination protections and HB 09-1260 to establish designated beneficiary agreements.
- Also as a state senator, I received the Gay and Lesbian Fund of Colorado's 2009 LGBT Denver Public Official of the Year Award.
As my friend Dr. Christopher Ott put it when he endorsed me, "Chris has been a tireless advocate for marriage equity, fair treatment of government and private sector employees and of fostering safe schools. I am confident that Chris will continue to stand up and fight for our community as Denver's next mayor."
We need to do more than just pay lip service to the rights of LGBT Denverites and their families. We need to enact the policies that ensure equality for all Coloradans.
It's the right thing to do for the future of Denver.