One Colorado Statement on Denver Business Refusal to Serve a Lesbian Couple
Denver, CO -- One Colorado, the state’s leading advocacy organization for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer Coloradans and their families released the following statement from Executive Director Daniel Ramos on Denver business Media Mansion’s refusal to offer videography services to Colorado lesbian couple Anna Suhyda and Amanda Broadway because of their sexual orientation.
“We strongly believe that the freedom of religion must be defended as one of our most fundamental values as Americans, but that freedom cannot be used to harm others or discriminate against others. No matter who you are, who you love, or what you believe, Coloradans across our state – including LGBTQ Coloradans and their families - are still protected under Colorado law from discrimination in the areas of employment, housing, and public accommodations. The very narrow ruling by the Supreme Court in Masterpiece vs. Colorado Civil Rights Commission does not change our country’s long-standing principle that businesses open to the public must be open to all. The fact remains that Colorado has a civil rights division and anti-discrimination laws that equally protect the fundamental rights of all Coloradans. Businesses may decide what products or services they offer, but they do not get to pick and choose who they offer those products or services to. We strongly encourage anyone who is discriminated against in areas of housing, employment, or public accommodations to file a complaint with Colorado Civil Rights Division."