Denver, CO – One Colorado, the state’s leading advocacy organization for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) Coloradans and their families, released the following statements after HB22-1153 “Family Affirmation Act” was introduced in the Colorado House of Representatives. The bill simplifies and clarifies the adoption process to ensure parents who conceive through assisted reproductive technology (ART) have an equal opportunity to build a family and legally confirm their parent-child relationship.

“Over 63% of LGBTQ Americans are now creating families through ART and/or adoption. By updating our laws, we are moving towards a more inclusive system that allows a diverse representation of families to thrive.”

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

“I am sponsoring this bill because Coloradans deserve a law that respects and dignifies the modern avenues they are using to create their families. My personal experience of becoming a mother illuminated the distinct difficulties any person using ART faces to be recognized as a parent to their child. It is time we updated our laws to reflect the beauty and diversity that Coloradan families represent.”

‍–Representative Daneya Esgar (she/her), D-Pueblo, House Majority Leader, House Co-Prime Sponsor

“As a sponsor of this bill, I am passionate about bringing my experience in fertility access and parental health to benefit Coloradan families. As an attorney and recent parent, I value legislation that ensures the legal security of all children and families.”

‍–Representative Kerry Tipper (she/her), D-Jefferson, House Co-Prime Sponsor

Specifically, the bill creates a process for families to establish a legal parent-child relationship that must be recognized nationwide and removes unnecessary barriers such as in-person hearings, home studies, fingerprinting, and residency requirements mandated in the current confirmatory adoption process. HB22-1153 was assigned to the House Public & Behavioral Health & Human Services Committee. Senator Dominick Moreno (D-Adams) and Senator Jeff Bridges (D-Arapahoe) are sponsoring HB22-1153 in the Senate.As the 2022 legislative session continues, One Colorado will continue advocating for LGBTQ Coloradans and their families.