Failure to Pass Discriminatory Legislation a Relief for Colorado Small Businesses
Statement by Tim Gaudette, Colorado Outreach Manager for Small Business Majority, on why the Colorado Senate’s failure today to pass anti-LGBT legislation will benefit small employers in the state
The Colorado Senate’s decision today to reject SB17-283, which would have allowed business owners to refuse service to anyone with whom they disagree, including on the basis of their religious beliefs, was the best outcome for our state’s small businesses and economy. This cruel measure was little more than a thinly veiled attempt to pass a religious exemption bill, one of which was already rejected earlier this legislative session.
Had SB17-283 passed, it likely would have done significant economic damage to Colorado’s small businesses. Similar measures have cost other states hundreds of millions of dollars, and there is no reason to think Colorado would have fared any better. What’s more small businesses want to hire the best people, and this measure could have led many strong workers to seek employment in states where they do not feel persecuted based on their race, gender identity or sexual orientation.
Additionally, recent scientific opinion polling conducted on behalf of Small Business Majority shows the majority of Colorado small business owners strongly believe businesses should not be able to refuse goods or services to LGBT individuals, or to deny services related to a same-sex wedding, based on an owner’s religious beliefs.
Given the many reasons SB17-283 would have harmed small businesses and the state’s economy, lawmakers made the right move by rejecting it.
About Small Business Majority
Small Business Majority was founded and is run by small business owners to focus on solving the biggest problems facing small businesses today. Since 2005, we have actively engaged small business owners and policymakers in support of public policy solutions, and have delivered information and resources to entrepreneurs that promote small business growth and drive a strong economy. We regularly engage our network of 55,000 small business owners along with a formal strategic partnership program of more than 150 business organizations, enabling us to reach more than 500,000 entrepreneurs. Our extensive scientific polling, focus groups and economic research help us educate and inform policymakers, the media and other stakeholders about key issues impacting small businesses and freelancers, including access to capital, taxes, healthcare, retirement, entrepreneurship and workforce development. Learn more about us on our website and follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.