We’re not there yet.

When I first ran for the Colorado House 20 years ago, Vermont had just passed a law allowing same-sex couples to form civil unions. At a candidate debate, the Republican Party planted a question in the audience—hoping to expose my “radical” views.

“Do you support civil unions?” a man asked.

“I’d go further,” I replied. “Gay and lesbian Americans deserve full equality, including the right to marry.”

I won that election—and three more—without ever compromising my commitment to this cause.

As speaker of the House, I helped pass laws to strengthen protections against hate crimes; extend legal rights to same-sex couples; and ban discrimination in employment, housing, and public accommodations on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity. I’m proud to have earned One Colorado’s recognition in this race as a pro-equality champion.

But it’s clear how much work we still need to do. In the House I once led, Republicans tried again this week to reverse our progress—pushing a slate of anti-LGBTQ proposals.

None of these hateful bills will survive the state legislature. But their proponents have an ally in Washington.

Cory Gardner has voted against LGBTQ rights at nearly every turn. I know—in part because I served with him.

As a state representative, Gardner opposed allowing gay and lesbian couples to adopt children. As a senator, he’s racked up scores of 12 and 16 percent from the Human Rights Campaign.

Colorado has shed its label as the Hate State. It’s time to shed Cory Gardner too.

Andrew Romanoff