Article II. Bill of Rights

Article II, Section 30b. No Protected Status Based on Homosexual, Lesbian or Bisexual Orientation

Constitution of the State of Colorado

Official text

Neither the State of Colorado, through any of its branches or departments, nor any of its agencies, political subdivisions, municipalities or school districts, shall enact, adopt or enforce any statute, regulation, ordinance or policy whereby homosexual, lesbian or bisexual orientation, conduct, practices or relationships shall constitute or otherwise be the basis of or entitle any person or class of persons to have or claim any minority status, quota preferences, protected status or claim of discrimination. This Section of the Constitution shall be in all respects self-executing.

Source: Initiated 92: Entire section added, see L. 93, p. 2164.

Source: Colorado Revised Statutes 2024, Constitution (Colorado Office of Legislative Legal Services)

In plain English

This 1992 voter initiative (Amendment 2) barred the state and local governments from giving protected status or discrimination claims based on homosexual, lesbian or bisexual orientation. The U.S. Supreme Court held it unconstitutional under the Equal Protection Clause in Romer v. Evans, 517 U.S. 620 (1996). The text remains printed in the constitution but cannot be enforced.

Plain-English summary drafted by Christian Vote USA; editor review pending. Always read the official text above.

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