New state laws go into effect today that prevent workplace discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity and religion; and allow an adult to petition to adopt a child, with consent of the parent.
The bills passed both houses, and the governor signed them. Sponsors and advocates are pleased, and called a news conference at the Capitol on Thursday to praise the new law.
Mindy Barton, the legal director for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Community Center of Colorado, said they show the state’s progress toward equality, and other advocates expressed their support at the news conference.
“I think tolerance for difference is something that any educated state always wants to promote,” said House Majority Leader Alice Madden, D-Boulder, a sponsor of both laws.
Colorado is one of 20 states that prevents workplace discrimination based on sexual orientation and one of 13 that protects transgender employees.
“We’re in pretty good company, I think,” said Jason Cobb, an employment attorney for Denver firm King and Greisen.
But Sen. Ted Harvey, R-Highlands Ranch, said he is concerned the vague wording in the anti-discrimination law could lead to lawsuits.
Male teachers could start wearing dresses to work if dress codes are not strictly outlined, and religious expression at work could end, he said.
“It’s very gray, and I don’t think it’s the government’s place to be telling people how to think,” he said.
The Bill of Rights provides enough protection for everyone, Harvey said.
“I don’t think there’s any laws that discriminate against anybody,” he said.
Madden disagreed.
“We certainly know discrimination occurs,” she said, acknowledging it is a small number. “Knowing that there’s more protection is really a good thing.”
GLBT advocates also praised legislators and Gov. Bill Ritter for also passing the second-parent adoption act.
Colorado is the 10th state to allow second-parent adoption.
“There are a lot of families in this state who have been waiting for this type of protection and they deserve this type of protection,” said Erica Johnson, an attorney for Denver firm Ambler and Keenan, whose practice emphasizes estate planning for nontraditional families.
Johnson said having a second legal parent will make children more secure because there will be two adults able to make decisions about the child and assist with medical treatment, education and inheritance.
But Jim Pfaff, president of Colorado Family Action, said the law is an attempt to put pieces of Referendum I, a failed domestic partnership bill, into place.
“It’s clear the intent…is to provide ultimately every right of marriage that can be given, including adoptive rights, to same- sex couples,” he said.
Though same-sex couples could benefit from the law, young mothers could also have a parent adopt the child to help, Madden said.
“It allows for more opportunity for all kinds of different families,” she said. “It also just really provides more ability for more economic and emotional stability for children.”
Staff writer Sara Crocker can be reached at 303-954-1661 or at scrocker@denverpost.com
