One Colorado, the state’s leading advocacy organization for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) Coloradans, released the following statements after HB21-1072 “Equal Access Services For Out-of-home Placements” was introduced in the Colorado House of Representatives.

“LGBTQ Coloradans are over-represented in the foster care system, both as foster youth and foster parents. If we want to make progress toward our shared goal of finding a loving and affirming home for every foster youth in Colorado, we need to secure protections and provide training for LGBTQ inclusivity. This bill is a step in the right direction.”Nadine Bridges(she/her), MSW, Executive Director, One Colorado"In Colorado, we value our families — in whatever shape or form they come in. As a sponsor of this bill, I'm passionate about uniting caring foster parents with children in need of homes and finding loving homes for foster youth. Our foster care system works best when we are inclusive of all families."Representative Meg Froelich (she/her), D-Englewood, House Prime Sponsor

The bill prohibits any entity that receives state funding and offers any service related to out-of-home placements of youth, including foster care or adoption, from discriminating against potential adoptive or foster parents and children within the foster care system. Additionally, the bill mandates pre and post-placement training requirements for foster parents. HB21-1072 was assigned to the House Public & Behavioral Health & Human Services Committee. One Colorado also supports HB21-1108 “Gender Identity Expression Anti-discrimination”, a bill that will update the prohibitions against gender-based discrimination, including protections related to an individual’s gender expression and gender identity. This update will help ensure all Coloradans will be protected under the existing Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act and other areas of the law related to discriminatory activities. HB21-1108 was assigned to the House Judiciary Committee.As this legislative session continues, we will continue to advocate for LGBTQ Coloradans and their families.