Colorado

The following is an overview of the laws of the state of Colorado. It should not be used as legal advice and is provided as information only. Family Fairness does not warrant that this information is current or comprehensive.
Updated: 04/11/2009

Same-Sex Relationships

Performs Same-Sex Marriages
Constitutional: "Only a union of one man and one woman shall be valid or recognized as a marriage in this state."		 No
Recognizes Out-of-State Same-Sex Marriage
"...any marriage contracted within or outside this state that does not satisfy paragraph (b) of subsection (1) of this section [which disallows same-sex couples] shall not be recognized as valid in this state." COLO. REV. STAT. §14-2-104 		No
Other Recognition: Designated Beneficiary Agreement
Colorado law permits couples to receive the following benefits: inheritance without a will, ability to sue for the wrongful death of their reciprocal beneficiary, hospital visitation and health care decisions, consent to postmortem exams, loan eligibility, property rights (including joint tenancy), tort liability, and protection under domestic violence laws.		 Yes

 

Gay and Lesbian Adoption

Single LGBT Adoption
The law permits any unmarried adult to petition to adopt. Colo. Code § 19-5-202		 Yes
Joint Same-Sex Adoption
The law allows married couples to jointly adopt, but is silent on other couples. There is no explicit prohibition on same-sex joint adoption.		 Maybe
Gay or lesbian adoption of a partner's child
Permitted with the consent of a single parent if the child has no other legal parent. Colo. Rev. Stat. § 19-5-203		 Yes

 

Housing Discrimination

Protections on the basis of sexual orientation
State's non-discrimination law amended to include sexual orientation in August, 2007. Colorado Revised Statutes 24-34-401, 24-34-402		 Yes
Protections on the basis of gender identity
State's non-discrimination law amended to include transgender status in August, 2007. Colorado Revised Statutes 24-34-401, 24-34-402		 Yes

 

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