SRES 163119th CongressIn Committee

A resolution recognizing the contributions of Clela Rorex, a pioneering county clerk who, in 1975, advanced civil rights for all couples seeking to be married.

Introduced: Apr 9, 2025

Standard Summary

Comprehensive overview in 1-2 paragraphs

This Senate resolution honors Clela Rorex, who, in 1975 as Boulder County Clerk, issued the first same-sex marriage license in the United States and became a national civil rights pioneer. It recounts her background, the historic 1975 action, the threats she faced, and her decades of advocacy for LGBTQ rights. The measure also designates March 26, 2025 as “Clela Rorex Day” to recognize her leadership and contributions to civil rights. Because it is a symbolic, non-binding resolution, it serves to acknowledge history and promote awareness rather than create new laws or funding.

Key Points

1Recognizes Clela Rorex as a pioneer for civil rights and for facilitating the first same-sex marriage license in the United States in 1975.
2Describes her personal and educational background, including becoming Boulder County Clerk and Recorder in 1975 and issuing licenses to same-sex couples after confirming state law did not prohibit it.
3Notes the media attention, threats, and public backlash she faced, alongside her continued advocacy for LGBTQ rights through the years.
4Provides historical context, noting that Colorado later allowed same-sex marriages (court rulings in 2014) and nationwide legalization followed (U.S. Supreme Court in 2015), with Boulder County designating Clela Rorex Day in 2022.
5Designates March 26, 2025 as “Clela Rorex Day” in honor of her leadership and contributions.

Impact Areas

Primary group/area affected: LGBTQ community and civil rights advocates, plus local government officials and county clerks who handle marriage licenses.Secondary group/area affected: Historians, educators, and the public—raising awareness of early civil rights milestones and the role of local officials in shaping national policy.Additional impacts: Raises public recognition of LGBTQ rights history, potentially inspiring continued civic engagement and advocacy; no direct fiscal or regulatory impact since this is a ceremonial Senate resolution.

Generated by gpt-5-nano on Nov 18, 2025