UPDATE! HB26-1319 was postponed indefinitely. It’s dead . . . for now

We are deeply concerned about Colorado HB26-1319 (“Right to Be Out at Work”). The bill applies to all employers (private businesses, nonprofits, and public entities) in Colorado and would:

• Require employers to use employees’ preferred names, pronouns, and titles (with compelled updates to internal and public-facing records).

• Mandate access to sex-segregated restrooms, changing facilities, and dress codes based on gender identity rather than biological sex.

• Prohibit adverse actions or retaliation against employees for disclosing their LGBTQ+ identity or for advocating preferred pronouns for others.

• Allow use of sick/personal leave for gender-affirming care or legal name changes.

Additional mandates apply only to public employers (including government agencies, school districts, and public schools): mandatory written “transition plans” upon request, annual LGBTQ+ inclusivity training for all employees, and related processes. Violations can result in investigations and fines up to $5,000 per violation. These provisions prioritize gender identity over biological sex, impose compelled speech, erode sex-based privacy and safety (especially for women), and burden employers with ideological mandates—directly conflicting with FAIR’s mission to advance civil rights for all without coercion or the erosion of fairness and free expression.

There is still time to testify remotely AGAINST this bill TODAY (Thursday, April 23, 2026). The House Business Affairs & Labor Committee hearing begins at 1:30 PM Mountain Time. Register immediately for remote testimony here: sites.coleg.gov/public-…

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email with the Zoom link. Remote witnesses are typically called in the order registered (or grouped by the chair) once in-person testimony concludes—plan for 2–3 minutes per person. Act now!

Quick talking points for your testimony (keep it personal, concise, and respectful):

• Applies to private workplaces too: Even if you work for a private company, this bill forces statewide rules on pronoun usage, facility access, dress codes, and record changes—creating legal risks, compliance costs, and potential division for your employer.

• Compelled speech & free expression: Requiring employers (and by extension coworkers) to use preferred pronouns and titles violates conscience and First Amendment rights; disagreement should not be treated as retaliation or harassment.

• Privacy & safety in shared spaces: Mandating gender-identity-based access to restrooms, locker rooms, and changing facilities undermines women’s and girls’ dignity, privacy, and safety—especially in public schools and workplaces with vulnerable populations.

• Extra burdens on public employers & schools: Public agencies and school districts face mandatory transition plans and annual ideological training, which diverts resources and pressures teachers/staff/students to affirm contested views.

• Fairness for all: Existing laws already protect against genuine discrimination and harassment. This bill goes further by elevating gender identity over sex, punishing dissent, and imposing one perspective on everyone—harming unity and fairness in Colorado workplaces and schools.

Your voice matters—testify today to protect fairness, free speech, and sex-based rights across both private and public workplaces in Colorado! Share this widely. For more on FAIR’s work, visit fairforall.org.