Bills to Protect & Support Colorado's LGBTQ Community Signed Into Law!

Denver, CO – Today the Governor signed four bills into law sponsored by Sen. Dominick Moreno that improve health care access and pursue justice for Colorado's LGBTQ residents:

“Colorado is growing into a progressive and welcoming place but these bills highlight the ongoing fight for justice. The LGBTQ community, particularly queer people of color, are still very much at isk under the Trump administration," said Sen. Dominick Moreno (D-Denver). "Banning ‘panic’ defenses, improving access to critical medications and easing unnecessary restrictions for identity documents are all important measures to further safety and equality in our state.”

SB-221: Abolish Gay, Trans 'Panic' Defenses
For too long perpetrators have been allowed to use their victim’s sexual or gender identity to legally defend horrible actions. With this bill, Colorado's court system will no longer recognize this reasoning as a valid defense for assault or murder. Colorado is now the 11th state to ban the defense.

SB-166: Birth Certificate Requirements
Colorado trans and non-binary residents are now able to obtain identification documents that accurately reflect their gender identities more easily with the signing of this legislation!

HB-1061: HIV Infection Prevention
This bill allows pharmacists to dispense both PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) and PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) medications without a prescription to patients living with or at high-risk of contracting HIV.

HB-1419: State Drug Assistance Program Funding
This bill updates statutory definitions in order to help fund state programs that assist individuals with lower incomes who have medical or preventive needs regarding AIDS or HIV.