Gays in Colorado will take one step toward equality with heterosexuals Friday when a new law banning workplace discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation goes into effect. State lawmakers passed Senate Bill 25, sponsored by Sen. Jennifer Veiga (D-Denver), during the last legislative session. The seventh try was a charm for Veiga, who had sponsored similar legislation every year since 2001. Twice the bills passed both chambers but were vetoed by former Gov. Bill Owens.
“Such an important, basic human right as employment should never be based upon race, gender, age, country of origin, or in this case sexual orientation,” Sen. Veiga said in a statement. “Data shows that discrimination claims stemming from sexual orientation have been steadily increasing in Colorado for the past 5 years and these people have no where to turn.”
Colorado joins 17 other states that prohibit workplace discrimination based on sexual orientation.
