Colorado has a proud history of defending lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer rights.

Our state legalized same-sex marriage back in 2008, 7 years before it was federally mandated. Additionally, we were the first state to make gender identity a protected class, and prosecute crimes based on transgender status as hate crimes. This is a record that I, at 15 years old, feel proud of.

Unfortunately, our 3rd District representative, Scott Tipton, is working to undermine that legacy. In May of 2016, Scott Tipton voted against a bill that would prohibit Federal contractors from discriminating against LGBTQ individuals. Before that, in 2012, Tipton voted on a bill to prohibit any defense department money from being used in violation of the Defense of Marriage act (which was later ruled unconstitutional.) This prohibited the defense department from giving benefits to same sex couples in their employ.

Fortunately, there is an alternative. Diane Mitsch Bush has a proven track record of supporting the LGBTQ community. For instance, she supported a bill that banned the dangerous and inhumane practice of “gay conversion therapy” on minors.

I do not want to see the state I love become a bastion of homophobia in this progressive era. Please, carry my vote, and make Diane Mitsch Bush our 3rd District representative.

Marcus Breman

Fruita