CO HB1161

Prohibits the Colorado Civil Rights Division, Civil Rights Commission, and courts from compelling involuntary speech, artistic expression, or religious expression when such expression would require a person to participate in, support, or endorse an ideology, ceremony, creed, behavior, or practice with which they disagree.

Adds new subsections to Colorado Revised Statutes 24-34-302, 24-34-305, and 24-34-602 to apply the compelled speech restrictions across the civil rights enforcement system.

Cites U.S. Supreme Court precedent including West Virginia v. Barnette (1943) and Wooley v. Maynard (1976) protecting individuals from government-compelled speech.

References Colorado constitutional provision stating no person shall be required to attend or support any ministry or place of worship against their consent.

Takes effect August 5, 2015, or following approval by voters at the November 2016 general election if a referendum petition is filed within 90 days of final adjournment.