By Rocky Mountain Voice Staff
A bipartisan bill offering increased protection for victims of sexual crime offenses has been signed into law by Lt. Gov. Diana Primavera, in the absence of Gov. Jared Polis.
House Bill 1072, by Rep. Lisa Frizell, R-Castle Rock, and Rep. Shannon Bird, D-Westminster, adds protections in law for victims of sexual assault. The bill passed the House by a rare 63-2 vote, with only Democrat Reps. Judy Amabile and Elisabeth Epps opposed.
“I am proud to be a part of this expansion to broaden protections for victims of sexual assault,” Frizell said in a statement. “This is a crucial step in promoting a fair and just legal system for victims and ensuring the blame is placed on the perpetrator, not the victim.”
Under current law, criminal rape shield laws are designed to protect victims of sexual offenses. The purpose of the new law is to add necessary clarification to address irrelevant, humiliating and degrading interrogation that can often deter victim and witness participation in the criminal justice process.
Specifically, the bill expands the criminal rape shield law to prohibit the admission of evidence of the victim’s manner of dress or hairstyle as evidence of the victim’s consent, the bill summary reads.
Frizell has been a staunch advocate of raising awareness around sexual assault in Colorado, and supportive of legislation related to preserving the focus on the actions of the defendant and preventing victim blaming, a Republican Party statement on the bill reads.
Frizell also co-sponsored a resolution designating April 24, 2024, as Colorado Denim Day, and recognizing April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month.
The bill was also sponsored by Republican Sen. Barbara Kirkmeyer and Democratic Sen. Rhonda Fields.