Legislation to Protect More Coloradans from Bias-Motivated Crimes Passes Senate

SB24-189 would add gender identity and gender expression to Colorado’s bias-motivated crimes and harassment laws

DENVER, CO – Legislation that would protect more Coloradans from bias-motivated crimes cleared the Senate today.

SB24-189, sponsored by Senators Rhonda Fields, D-Aurora, and Chris Hansen, D-Denver, would improve protections for Coloradans by adding gender identity and gender expression to the classes included in Colorado’s bias-motivated crimes and harassment laws. 

“Every Coloradan deserves to feel secure in their community, but far too many folks have been targeted because of who they are or how they identify,” Fields said. “As trans, nonbinary, and gender-expansive folks face increasing threats across the country, we will continue fighting to make our state safer for all Coloradans and provide better protections against bias-motivated crime and harassment.”

“Colorado has been a national leader when it comes to advancing equality and protections for our LGBTQ+ neighbors,” Hansen said. “This bill will help protect Coloradans from violence or harassment based on their gender identity or gender expression, and will help ensure perpetrators of bias-motivated crimes are held accountable for their actions. I’m pleased to champion this legislation that will help more Coloradans feel secure and keep people in our communities safe.”

The bill also redefines "sexual orientation" as used in our bias-motivated crimes and harassment statutes.

SB24-189 will now move to the House of Representatives for further consideration. Track the bill’s progress HERE.