Colorado

Relationship Recognition Information

Statewide Relationship Recognition
no Licenses marriages for same-sex couples.
no Honors marriages of same-sex couples from other jurisdictions.
no Relationship recognition for same-sex couples: None.

  • 2000 Anti-marriage bill adopted. A right-wing group filed a measure with the state to begin collecting signatures for an anti-marriage ballot initiative, much like the discriminatory anti-gay measure struck down by the U.S. Supreme Court in 1996. The legislature rejected a similar measure in 1999. Senator Marilyn Musgrave (R) introduced her anti-marriage bill, SB45. Passed the Senate, House, and signed by Gov. Bill Owens (R). See Colo. Rev. Stat. § 14-2-104.

Employment Information

Statewide Employment Protections
yes Private employment protections based on sexual orientation.
yes Private employment protections based on gender identity.
yes Public (state) employment protections based on sexual orientation.
yes Public (state) employment protections based on gender identity.

Colorado law prohibits discrimination based on actual or perceived sexual orientation, defined to include gender identity, in public and private employment, see Colo Rev. Stat. § 24-34-401, et seq.

Parenting Information

Statewide Parenting Laws
Who May Adopt Any adult. Colo. Code § 19-5-202.
Second Parent Adoptions Authorized by Colo. Rev. Stat. § 19-5-203 et seq.
Notes Generally favorable environment. See, e.g., In re Marriage of Dorworth, 33 P.3d 1260 (Colo. App. 2001).

Cases

Moreau v. Qwest Communications, Inc.
Case charging Qwest Communications with failing to protect an employee from severe antigay harassment in the workplace

Romer v. Evans
Historic case arguing against a statewide antigay initiative prohibiting all branches of state government in Colorado from protecting lesbians, gay men or bisexuals from discrimination based on their sexual orientation

All Cases »

Documents Related to Colorado