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Grow Up in Pain: The Legacy of Amendment 28

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Protesters Hold Signs Denouncing Amendment 28 Outside The Colorado Capitol In 1992 Grow Up In Pain: Amendment28

In 1992, Colorado voters passed Amendment 28, a discriminatory measure that banned any school district from adopting or implementing curricula that "promote homosexuality." This amendment, fueled by fear and prejudice, had a profound impact on the lives of LGBTQ youth in the state. It sent a clear message that their experiences and identities were unwelcome and unacceptable in schools. Twenty years later, Amendment 28 remains a painful reminder of the discrimination that LGBTQ youth continue to face.

Grow up in pain: @amendment28

by Vincent Murphy

4.4 out of 5

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The Origins of Amendment 28

The origins of Amendment 28 can be traced to a national backlash against the growing visibility and acceptance of LGBTQ rights in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Conservative groups, fueled by religious fundamentalism and fear of social change, launched a campaign to roll back these gains. One of their key targets was education, where they sought to prevent schools from teaching about LGBTQ issues or providing support to LGBTQ students.

In Colorado, this campaign was led by a group called Colorado for Family Values (CFV). CFV was founded by evangelical Christian activists who believed that homosexuality was a sin and that schools should not promote it in any way. They argued that Amendment 28 was necessary to protect children from the dangers of homosexuality and to uphold traditional family values.

The Passage of Amendment 28

CFV's campaign for Amendment 28 was successful in large part because it tapped into the fears and prejudices of many Coloradans. In the months leading up to the election, CFV ran a series of misleading and fear-mongering ads that suggested that Amendment 28 was necessary to prevent schools from teaching children about homosexuality. They also claimed that the amendment would protect children from sexual predators.

These ads were effective in convincing many voters that Amendment 28 was necessary to protect their children. On November 3, 1992, Amendment 28 passed with 53% of the vote.

The Impact of Amendment 28

The passage of Amendment 28 had a devastating impact on LGBTQ youth in Colorado. The amendment created a climate of fear and intolerance in schools, making it difficult for LGBTQ students to feel safe and supported. Many LGBTQ students were harassed and bullied because of their sexual orientation or gender identity. Others were forced to hide their true selves in order to avoid discrimination.

Amendment 28 also had a negative impact on LGBTQ teachers and school administrators. Many LGBTQ teachers were afraid to come out because they feared losing their jobs. Some were even fired or forced to resign after their sexual orientation or gender identity was discovered. This created a chilling effect on LGBTQ educators, making it difficult for them to create inclusive and supportive classrooms for LGBTQ students.

The legacy of Amendment 28 is still felt today. Many LGBTQ youth continue to face discrimination and harassment in schools. LGBTQ teachers and school administrators still face challenges in creating inclusive and supportive environments for LGBTQ students. And the fight for LGBTQ rights continues.

The Fight to Repeal Amendment 28

In the years following the passage of Amendment 28, LGBTQ activists and allies fought to repeal it. They argued that the amendment was discriminatory and unconstitutional. They also pointed to the negative impact that it had on LGBTQ youth.

In 1996, the Colorado Supreme Court ruled that Amendment 28 violated the state constitution's equal protection clause. However, the court's ruling was overturned by the U.S. Supreme Court in 1996 in a case called Romer v. Evans. The Supreme Court ruled that Amendment 28 was constitutional because it did not single out LGBTQ people for discrimination.

Despite the setback, LGBTQ activists continued to fight to repeal Amendment 28. In 2008, Colorado voters passed Amendment 62, which repealed Amendment 28. The passage of Amendment 62 was a major victory for LGBTQ rights in Colorado. It sent a clear message that discrimination against LGBTQ people would not be tolerated in the state.

The Legacy of Amendment 28

Amendment 28 was a dark chapter in Colorado's history. It was a discriminatory measure that sent a clear message that LGBTQ youth were not welcome in schools. The amendment had a devastating impact on LGBTQ youth, LGBTQ teachers, and school administrators.

However, the passage of Amendment 62 in 2008 was a major victory for LGBTQ rights in Colorado. It sent a clear message that discrimination against LGBTQ people would not be tolerated in the state. The passage of Amendment 62 is a reminder that progress is possible, even in the face of adversity.

We must continue to fight for the rights of LGBTQ youth. We must ensure that they have the same opportunities to succeed as everyone else. We must create a world where all youth feel safe, respected, and loved.

Grow up in pain: @amendment28

by Vincent Murphy

4.4 out of 5