EDITORIAL: 'The Hate State' has a new reputation

The Gazette (Colorado Springs, Colo.)
Updated ·1 min read

Nov. 27—Colorado had a near public relations crisis in the 1990s. It became "The Hate State." A nationwide movement urged businesses and tourists to boycott Colorado.

"The Hate State" resulted from voters passing Amendment 2 by a 7-point margin. A Talmey-Drake survey before the election indicated the measure would fail by at least 10 points. It seemed a likely outcome and few felt the need for a serious opposition or education campaign.

When ballots were counted, the country was shocked. Colorado had codified discrimination against LGBTQIA-plus individuals — amending the state constitution, no less.