Colorado: Where Quality of Life is a Core Value
In Colorado, people pride themselves on the fact that they live in a state where high quality of life is a core value. Colorado laws play an important role in ensuring that all people have an equal opportunity to enjoy the wonderful advantages our state has to offer. Prior to 2007, it was legal in most of Colorado to discriminate against gay and transgender people simply for being who they are. Today, laws exist to protect them from discrimination in their place of employment, public accommodations, and housing.
These laws strive for equal treatment for all Coloradans, regardless of sexual orientation or gender expression. They help our state become a better place that offers a high quality of life while allowing us to realize our highest values as citizens.
Know the Law
Coloradans must be aware of their rights and the rights of others. By becoming aware of laws that exist to ensure equal opportunity, we can help our fellow Coloradans – our co-workers, friends, family members, neighbors, and clients – when they experience the pain of discrimination. It’s not just the right thing to do, it’s the law.
Request More Information about Colorado’s New Anti-Discrimination Laws and Other Related Resources
Colorado Anti-Discrimination Task Force
Download Equal Rights Colorado PDF Fact Sheets > The latest information on Colorado legislation
Creating a Discrimination-Free Colorado
Help the Anti-Discrimination Task Force spread the word about Colorado's anti-discrimination laws by printing out our brochure and distributing it at events and meetings, and to your employees, customers, patrons, friends, family, and neighbors. The brochure summarizes the three laws and provides brief instructions for filing a discrimination complaint. Working together to create a discrimination-free Colorado, we can ensure that quality of life continues to be a core value in our state.
Second Parent Adoption
The second parent adoption law enables unmarried couples to adopt one another’s children. If a sole legal parent consents, a second adult may adopt their child, provided they undergo a home study and pass a criminal background check. Prior to the passage of this law, only single people (gay or straight) or married couples could adopt.
- Who Benefits from the Law
- Why the Law is Good for Families
- If you have more questions about Second Parent Adoption please contact Colorado’s Legal Initiatives Project, 303-282-6524 or clip@glbtcolorado.org
Employment Nondiscrimination
Signed in May 2007, the Employment Nondiscrimination Act (Senate Bill 25) expands Colorado’s employment nondiscrimination protections to include sexual orientation, defined as heterosexuality, homosexuality, bisexuality, transgender status, or perception thereof.
- Who Senate Bill 25 Applies to
- Why Senate Bill 25 is Good for Colorado Businesses and Families
- If you think you have experienced discrimination and would like to file a complaint contact the Colorado Civil Rights Division at 303-894-2997 or visit website
Housing & Public Accommodations
Signed in May 2008, amendments to the Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act (Senate Bill 200) prohibits discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or transgender status in several areas, including two key areas: housing and public accommodations.
- What and Who Senate Bill 200 Covers
- Why Senate Bill 200 is Good for Colorado Businesses and Families
- If you think you have experienced discrimination contact the Colorado Civil Rights Division at 303-894-2997 or visit website