HB18-1206.pdf

The "Live and Let Live Act" is a proposed bill in Colorado that aims to protect religious freedom and prevent government interference with religious exercise. The bill declares that conflicts between same-sex marriage and religious liberty are real and should be addressed through legislation, citing examples of religious adoption and foster-care agencies being forced to close due to their sincerely held religious beliefs about marriage. The bill also mentions small family-owned wedding businesses that have endured fines or financial penalties for operating consistently with their religious beliefs. The proposed legislation seeks to remedy, deter, and prevent government interference with religious exercise, complementing the protections mandated by the state and federal constitutions. It defines key terms, including "adoption or foster care" and "discriminatory action," and aims to protect the religious freedom of faith-based charities and educational institutions. The bill's purpose is to promote tolerance and respect for differing views on same-sex marriage, allowing the government to recognize same-sex marriage without forcing persons with sincerely held religious beliefs or moral convictions to conform.