DENVER (AP) – Denver mayor John Hickenlooper said he opposes amending the U.S. Constitution to ban marriage for gays and lesbians, a position that puts him at odds with the governor and a Colorado congresswoman who is championing the proposed ban.

“I don’t think that it’s government’s role to dictate to religious institutions what they should or should not allow,” Hickenlooper said.

“But in the context of government, same-sex couples in committed relationships should be entitled to equal rights such as the ability to visit a loved one in the emergency room,” he said.

Hickenlooper plans to speak at a rally against the constitutional amendment proposed by U.S. Rep. Marilyn Musgrave, R-Colo.

He understands the political risks of taking a position on a controversial question with no immediate impact on city government, said his spokeswoman, Lindy Eichenbaum Lent.

“In America’s history, supporting equal rights has always carried political risk, but it’s the right thing to do,” she said.

Hickenlooper also said he believes a majority of Denver residents share his views.

Hickenlooper, who took office in July, has appointed several lesbians and gays to his cabinet.

Former mayors Wellington Webb and Federico Pena also were strong supporters of gay and lesbian rights.

As a state representative from Fort Morgan in 2000, Musgrave sponsored a bill banning marriage for gays and lesbians in Colorado. Gov. Bill Owens signed the bill into law that year.

Glenn Stanton, a marriage analyst for the Colorado Springs Christian group Focus on the Family, said the group supports the Musgrave amendment.