CONTACT:
AJ Shaikh
720-620-0211
[email protected]
Chris Callanan
720-335-3094
[email protected]
**PRESS RELEASE**
HEADLINE
June 30, 2023 – Denver, CO. The Colorado LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce was founded in 1992– the same year Colorado Voters approved Amendment 2 which prevented municipalities from enacting anti-discrimination laws protecting gay, lesbian, or bisexual people.
LGBTQ business owners wanted to assert their existence and needed to know who their allies were in the face of the discriminatory intentions of Amendment 2. Today’s passing takes us back to 1992, a year of great turbulence for the LGBTQ community.
In the coming weeks, months, and years we will see how the harmful effects of this decision play out. What we know now is that:
This decision is a setback for LGBTQ rights and equality. It sends the message that businesses can discriminate against LGBTQ people simply because they disagree with their sexual orientation or gender identities.
This decision will have a chilling effect on LGBTQ people and businesses in Colorado and across the country. It will make LGBTQ people less likely to patronize businesses that they believe may discriminate against them. This will make them afraid to speak out or express their identities in public and could make it more difficult for LGBTQ people to find housing, employment, and other essential services.
The decision will have a negative impact on the economy, as it will discourage LGBTQ people from spending their money in businesses that they believe may discriminate against them.
The LGBTQ community is not going to give up without a fight. Despite this setback, the Colorado LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce and our membership base will continue to fight for civil rights and liberties. If you are a business owner and want to make LGBTQ consumers feel safe to purchase goods and services, please seek certification through the Colorado LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce.
AJ Shaikh
He/Him/Gurl
Chair, Board of Directors
Colorado LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce
444 Sherman St, Suite DBC, Denver CO 80203
www.colgbtqcc.org
(720) 620-0211