In November 1992, Colorado passed by popular vote an amendment denying "protected status based on homosexual, lesbian, or bisexual orientation." In July 1993, the Colorado Supreme Court issued a preliminary injunction on the basis that the amendment violated the 14th Amendment by denying homosexuals equal protection under the law. The injunction was upheld in October of 1994.
The Attorney General of Colorado filed this brief on behalf of Governor Roy Romer and state of Colorado, asking the U.S. Supreme Court to reverse the decision, stating that "the extension of minority status or preference laws to include sexual orientation would be tantamount to granting special rights, which are not enjoyed by the public at large."
