Face-off over anti-bias bill

A gay and lesbian grassroots Democratic group and conservative Christian lobbyists are battling over a bill expanding prohibitions from discrimination in public life based on religion and sexual orientation.

Senate Bill 200 would ban discrimination based on a person's religious belief or sexual orientation — including transgender people — in places of public accommodation, housing practices, family planning services and 20 other public spheres.

Gov. Ritter has until June 5 to sign or veto the bill; with no gubernatorial action, the bill automatically becomes law.

Ritter has not indicated whether he will make the bill law, spokesman Evan Dreyer said Thursday.

Focus on the Family Action and Colorado Family Action say the bill would have serious consequences, such as opening up Colorado public restrooms and locker rooms to all genders and transgender people, exposing children and women to sexual predators. :puke: