•  
  •  
 

Abstract

This sample of the case study of Equality Colorado will demonstrate how counter movements and litigation may limit and change how an organization surrounding a social movement acts. Colorado for Family Values helped pass Colorado’s Amendment 2 in 1992, which limited any present and future anti-discrimination legislation that would protect sexuality as a class. This ballot initiative passed by 53% of Colorado voters, and other states like Idaho and Oregon attempted to replicate this type of initiative. Amendment 2 challenged the LGB community and compelled the movement to collectively respond to the religious right with coalitions, pooled resources, and litigation. Equality Colorado, established in 1992, will exemplify how a social movement could respond to prejudicial legislation. One of Equality Colorado’s primary tactics was to reframe religion as inclusive of gay rights. It did not cede religion entirely to its opponents and attempted to delegitimize them by labeling them “radical right” as opposed to the more popular term “religious right” or “Christian Conservatives”. Additionally, Equality Colorado tried to compensate for the downsides of litigation by “translating” the legal terms to the general public and connecting litigators with the broader movement.

Publication Statement

Copyright held by the author. User is responsible for all copyright compliance.

Share

COinS