When the bill is signed into law, Colorado will become the 20th U.S. state to ban workplace discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and the 12th to ban discrimination on the basis of gender identity.

"Legislators in Colorado have taken historic action to advance the cause of equality for all Coloradans. Once this bill is signed into law, Colorado will be a freer and fairer place for its lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender residents," said Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese. "We applaud the many legislators who voted for fairness and equality, and we congratulate Senator Jen Veiga, who has fought for more than a decade to pass this legislation. We also thank Michael Brewer of Equal Rights Colorado for his hard work, as well as all the HRC members in Colorado who gave their efforts toward passing this important legislation."

Michael Brewer, a spokesperson for Equal Rights Colorado, added: "We are very proud and pleased in Colorado that after a decade of hard work, patience and education, we join the ranks of states which give basic employment rights to gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people. We are very proud of the hard work Senator Jen Veiga has done to pass this bill, and we are thrilled to finally bring this to conclusion."

The Human Rights Campaign is proud to have partnered with Equal Rights Colorado to pass this important pro-equality legislation. HRC has invested in this partnership through direct financial and technical assistance. In addition, HRC has consistently worked to mobilize its members in Colorado to support the strategic goals of these groups and gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender Coloradans.

The Human Rights Campaign is America's largest civil rights organization working to achieve gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender equality. By inspiring and engaging all Americans, HRC strives to end discrimination against GLBT citizens and realize a nation that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all.