One Colorado, the state’s leading advocacy organization for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) Coloradans, released the following statements upon final passage of HB21-1072 “Equal Access Services For Out-of-home Placements” in the Colorado General Assembly.

“We are so happy to see this bill make its way to the Governor's desk and grateful to the legislators who supported it. LGBTQ youth are over-represented in our foster care system and, through this bill, we are breaking down barriers that prevent them from being placed in safe and affirming homes. Today is a victory for equality.”

• Nadine Bridges (she/her), MSW, Executive Director, One Colorado

"I am so proud to work with One Colorado to strengthen our protection of our LGBTQ+ youth. Every child is worthy of love and an affirming home. This legislation is an important step towards increasing equality and inclusion of all youth in the foster care system."

• Senator Sonya Jaquez Lewis (she/her), D-Boulder, Senate Prime Sponsor

“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 passed out of the Senate on a 20-15 vote.