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City mulls stand on gay-marriage ban

Janet Urquhart

Aspen should take a formal stand against a constitutional amendment that would “advance discrimination” by banning same-sex marriages, according to City Councilwoman Rachel Richards.She urged the council Monday to approve a resolution opposing the amendment, which Congress is expected to vote on this week. Amending the U.S. Constitution would also require ratification by the states.The council agreed to consider a resolution when it meets today, after taking a look at the amendment language.”It’s a state issue. It should be left to the states’ courts to decide,” Richards said. “It’s important to go on the record on this.”It’s especially key for Aspen to speak out, she said, as two members of Congress from Colorado are sponsors of the amendment – Sen. Wayne Allard and Rep. Marilyn Musgrave of Fort Morgan, who represents the 4th Congressional District.”I think this just follows this community’s long history of opposing discrimination,” Richards added, noting Aspen’s role in successfully overturning a state constitutional amendment that prohibited governments from granting special status to gays and lesbians. Aspen was also a front-runner in adopting an ordinance that bans discrimination based on sexual orientation, as well as a host of other characteristics, including race, religion, disability and age.Janet Urquhart’s e-mail address is janet@aspentimes.com