LGBTQ rights in Colorado | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Status | Legal since 1972 |
| Gender identity | State does not require surgery to change gender on official documents |
| Discrimination protections | Sexual orientation and gender identity/expression are protected categories |
| Family rights | |
| Recognition of relationships | Designated beneficiary agreements since 2009; Civil unions since 2013; Same-sex marriage since 2014 |
| Adoption | Full adoption rights since 2014 |
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) people in the U.S. state of Colorado enjoy the same rights as non-LGBTQ people.[1] Same-sex sexual activity has been legal in Colorado since 1972. Same-sex marriage has been recognized since October 2014, and the state enacted civil unions in 2013, which provide some of the rights and benefits of marriage. State law also prohibits discrimination on account of sexual orientation and gender identity in employment, housing and public accommodations and the use of conversion therapy on minors. In July 2020, Colorado became the 11th US state to abolish the gay panic defense.[2]
Colorado is frequently referred to as one of the most LGBT-friendly states in the Mountain West. The LGBT think tank Movement Advancement Project ranks Colorado second in the region for LGBTQ rights legislation, behind Nevada. 2019 polling from the Public Religion Research Institute showed that 77% of Colorado residents supported anti-discrimination legislation protecting LGBTQ people.
- ^ Theil, Michele (February 2, 2024). "Groundbreaking map shows which US states are the least safe for LGBTQ+ people". PinkNews | Latest lesbian, gay, bi and trans news | LGBTQ+ news. Retrieved February 2, 2024.
- ^ Burness, Alex (July 13, 2020). "Colorado becomes 11th state to ban LGBTQ "panic defense"". The Denver Post.