‍Denver, CO – One Colorado released the following statement regarding the Archdiocese of Denver’s anti-LGBTQ lawsuit filed against Lisa Roy, executive director of the Colorado Department of Early Childhood, and Dawn Odean, director of Colorado’s Universal Preschool Program:

“We are disappointed to see the Archdiocese of Denver take this harmful stance towards LGBTQ+ Coloradans - especially students and their families,” said Nadine Bridges, MSW (she, her, hers), One Colorado Executive Director. “The decision to sue Colorado over the right to exclude LGBTQ+ families from universal preschool goes against the fundamental principles of equity and nondiscrimination. Faith communities, including their spaces for education,  should be a place for love and support. Every child deserves an opportunity to access education–to thrive in a safe and encouraging environment. Denying admission to LGBTQ+ students, and excluding families with LGBTQ+ parents, alienates LGBTQ+ people of Catholic faith. One Colorado firmly opposes any effort to marginalize or discriminate against our community.”

The Denver Post first reported on August 16, 2023 that the Archdiocese of Denver plus two parishes, St. Mary Catholic Parish in Littleton and St. Bernadette Catholic Parish in Lakewood, are “suing the state alleging their First Amendment rights are violated because their desire to exclude LGBTQ parents, staff and kids from Archdiocesan preschools keeps them from participating in Colorado’s new universal preschool program.” Universal Preschool Colorado provides:

• 15 hours per week of state-funded preschool per year before kindergarten
• Participating programs must meet Colorado’s non-discrimination requirements

One Colorado is the state’s leading advocacy organization for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) Coloradans and their families.