| Public Policy
Current Public Policy Efforts | Past Efforts
Created as a voice against extremism, intolerance and violence, TIA-CO is proud also to serve as a voice for freedom of religion, mutual respect, and compassion. TIA-CO’s Public Policy Commission takes action and recommends board action where religion and politics intersect. We stand firmly in support of freedom of religion; we take strong stands on the political and moral issues of human and civil rights; and we pursue economic and social justice for people marginalized by a wealthy society.
Find out how you can add your voice to ours by clicking here.
Current Public Policy Efforts
TIA-CO opposes deceptive personhood initiative: Proponents of a deceptively named “Human Life Amendment” are gathering signatures to place a measure on the November ballot that would amend Colorado’s Constitution to redefine “person” and to grant constitutional rights from the moment of conception. The proposed amendment is vague, dangerous and simply goes too far. It seeks to restrict women’s access to health care; it invites government intrusion into our personal lives; and, if it passes, it’s permanent... read more
Resources help employers enact nondiscrimination act: In May of 2007, the Employment Nondiscrimination Act (ENDA) was signed into law by Governor Bill Ritter, expanding protection against workplace discrimination for all Coloradans. ENDA increases Colorado’s employment nondiscrimination protections to include sexual orientation – an important step toward...read more
First Freedom First Campaign
Do you care about religious liberty, America's first freedom?
At the Interfaith Alliance Foundation, we do! That’s why we’re sponsoring First Freedom First, a partnership project with Americans United for Separation of Church and State. If you care about your first freedom, please SIGN THE PETITION to protect America's Religious Liberty, at www.FirstFreedomFirst.org. Add your name to the petition and learn more at www.firstfreedomfirst.orgRead TIA-CO's president's words on the initiative here.
Immigration Reform
The following position statement was adopted by the TIA-CO Board of Directors on April 19, 2006.
The Interfaith Alliance of Colorado supports a comprehensive immigration reform bill that includes:
- A temporary worker program that permits seasonal workers to come and go in a safe and legal manner
- An opportunity for hard-working immigrants who are already contributing to this country to regularize their status
- Family reunification system to significantly reduce waiting times for separated families
- Border protection policies that are consistent with humanitarian values and with the need to treat all individuals with respect
Past Public Policy Efforts
July 2008: Proposed school prayer initiative
The Interfaith Alliance of Colorado was concerned that a proposed ballot measure to allow school prayer would threaten religious freedom and the separation of religion and government in Colorado. View our wrap-up statement and further information here.
In addition to the information below, you can read a more comprehensive report on our 2006 public policy efforts in the 2006 Year in Review.
Code of Civility
Launched in 1998, political candidates who sign the Code of Civility pledge agree not to defame their opponent’s character, not to use religion as a tool to divide or exclude those of differing beliefs and views, and to take full responsibility for all campaign materials. In the fall of 2006, we challenged every candidate for public office to sign the “Code of Civility.”
Vote 2006
Find out about the national Interfaith Alliance's 2006 election year activities by clicking here.
Domestic Partnerships and Colorado Marriage Amendment
The TIA-CO Board voted at the April 19th, 2006 Board Meeting to support the Domestic Partnership Referendum (Referendum I) and to oppose the Colorado Marriage Amendment. Click here for TIA-CO's statement giving the rationale for these positions and more information.
Past Public Policy Efforts - 2005
In addition to the information below, you can read about our 2005 public policy efforts in the 2005 Year in Review.
Colorado Religious Coalition for the Common Good
In 2005 TIA-CO led this coalition, which was integral to the success of Referendum C. The voters agreed to a five-year suspension of the downward ratcheting effect on government spending caused by the TABOR (Taxpayers’ Bill of Rights) Amendment and its formulaic restrictions. When Colorado’s economy plummeted, huge cuts were made in the social safety net. This was a moral issue for our members—to restore state funding for programs that serve the poor, the sick and the marginalized.
No Room for Hate
Since 1999 TIA-CO has worked with bill sponsors from both sides of the aisle in Colorado to urge passage of a Hate Crimes bill and employment rights for gays and lesbians. In 2005, we endorsed SB 28, The Employment Non-Discrimination Act, which the governor vetoed; and HB 1014, an omnibus crime bill, which he allowed to become law without his signature. The bill included a measure to designate violence based on sexual orientation as a “bias-motivated crime.”
Call to a Faithful Decision (CTFD)
Our interfaith “Get out the Vote” program complements the Code of Civility initiative (see "Current Public Policy Efforts," above) by encouraging congregations of many faiths to play an active role in voter registration and the elective process.
The Religious Foundations Project
This program explores the shared roots of each faith to create a practical hands-on “field guide” to interfaith organizing that can be used by TIA-CO and other interfaith groups to help people of different—often conflicting—faith traditions work together to effect lasting social change.
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