The Boulder County clerk who issued the first marriage license to a same-sex couple in the United States was posthumously recognized for her leadership by the Colorado governor.
Gov. Jared Polis announced on Wednesday that former Boulder County Clerk Clela Rorex had been awarded the Colorado Mountain Leader Medal. Rorex died at 78 on June 19 of this year.
Inspired by the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the Colorado Governor’s Citizenship Medals honor Colorado leaders who inspire excellence and community service, the announcement said. Medals are awarded annually by the sitting governor on behalf of past governors and the citizens of Colorado.
In 1975, as Boulder County clerk, Rorex issued marriage licenses to six same-sex couples, garnering widespread media attention and pushing gay marriage into the national public discourse. She went on to volunteer at OUT Boulder County and supported the LGBTQ+ community as an ally.
Earlier this year, Boulder County commissioners declared July 23, 2022 as Clela Rorex Day in Boulder County.