Colorado
Sex Laws 2026

Colorado's age of consent is 17. The state has a close-in-age exemption: sexual activity between a minor who is at least 15 and a partner no more than 10 years older is treated as a misdemeanor rather than a felony, and activity between peers close in age carries reduced penalties. Colorado Revised Statutes Section 18-3-402 governs sexual assault on a child.

Colorado does not have a statewide sex education mandate, but state guidelines for districts that offer it are comprehensive. The guidelines call for medically accurate instruction, inclusion of LGBTQ+ relationships and identities, and affirmative consent education. In practice, coverage varies significantly by district. Urban districts tend to follow the comprehensive framework more closely; rural districts vary.

Colorado's adult entertainment environment is among the more permissive in the West. Denver has a well-established strip club industry. The state does not impose unusual burdens on adult businesses beyond standard licensing and zoning. Marijuana legalization in 2012 has contributed to a broader personal-freedom-forward policy culture, and there has been no significant political movement to restrict the adult entertainment industry.

No statewide mandate but guidelines require comprehensive, inclusive ed when offered. Strong consent education framework.

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• In Colorado, a 16-year-old girl can marry a 30-year-old man. Our laws must change to protect teens from what would otherwise be rape. (Opinion) - The Denver PostMar 15
• Republicans, abortion rights groups oppose Colorado bill to raise marriage age to 18 - 9NewsFeb 20
• Colorado changed its laws around sex ed. Here’s what you need to know. - ChalkbeatMay 22
• Foster Care’s Missing Policies For Sexual and Reproductive Health - The ImprintMay 9
• State Policy Trends 2023: In the First Full Year Since Roe Fell, a Tumultuous Year for Abortion and Other Reproductive Health Care - Guttmacher InstituteDec 19