I think we will have full marriage rights in Colorado. But in 1992, there was a very hateful Amendment 2 that basically made it legal for any institution to deny gays and lesbians access, whether it's hospitals or restaurants or employment. Anybody could fire you or not let you in a restaurant because you were gay.

In this quote, Martina Navratilova, a former tennis champion and LGBTQ+ advocate, reflects on the progress of marriage rights for gays and lesbians, specifically in Colorado. She expresses optimism that full marriage rights will eventually be achieved in the state. However, she also acknowledges the historical challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community, particularly referencing Amendment 2 in 1992, which legalized discrimination against gays and lesbians in various aspects of public life, including access to hospitals, restaurants, and employment.

Navratilova highlights the severity of Amendment 2, which allowed any institution to deny access or fire someone simply for being gay. This amendment represented a significant step backward in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights and was a source of great fear and inequality. By describing the amendment as "hateful," Navratilova underscores the damaging impact it had on the civil rights of the LGBTQ+ community, enabling widespread discrimination and fostering an environment of intolerance.

The origin of this quote comes from Navratilova's long history of advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights, both within the sports world and beyond. As one of the first openly gay athletes in a major sport, she has used her platform to speak out against discrimination and promote equality. Her reflections on the changes in Colorado’s legal landscape are informed by her own experiences and activism during a time when LGBTQ+ rights were severely limited.

Ultimately, Navratilova’s quote highlights the importance of legal protections for the LGBTQ+ community and the ongoing struggle for equality. While she is hopeful about the future, she also calls attention to the significant obstacles and challenges that have been faced in achieving basic civil rights for gays and lesbians, stressing the need for continued advocacy and vigilance in the fight for equality.