Colorado Repeals Ban on Political Clothing at Capitol After Pro-Life Sweatshirt Incident
Colorado has lifted its ban on political clothing in its legislative galleries, a change prompted by an incident nearly a year and a half ago when a Denver radio host was ejected from the Senate gallery for wearing a pro-life sweatshirt.
The incident occurred in March 2023, when radio host Jeff Hunt attended the Capitol during a hearing on several abortion-rights bills that aimed to regulate pregnancy resource centers. Hunt wore a sweatshirt that read “Pro-Life U” above “Colorado Christian University,” where he was previously employed. The university has claimed to be the most pro-life institution in the United States.
Just moments after taking his seat, Hunt was approached by a sergeant who escorted him into the hallway and pointed out a sign for visitors stating that apparel “expressing political statements” was prohibited. The sergeant told Hunt that his shirt constituted a political statement, to which Hunt explained it was a reference to his college. Regardless, Hunt was told that he would have to either turn the sweatshirt inside out or leave the gallery. He chose to wait outside.
At the time, Secretary of the Senate Cindi Markwell explained that the policy aimed to “avoid conflict between opposing sides on any particular issue.”
Following the incident, the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE) sent a letter demanding that Capitol officers stop enforcing the rule, arguing that the ban was overly broad and failed to define what constituted a “political statement.”
The group also accused the rule of being selectively enforced. In response, the Colorado House and Senate have now rescinded the rule banning apparel that expresses political statements. “It was a total win for free speech,” Jeff Hunt said in a statement to Fox News. “You’re free, and it’s a better state because of it.”
“At this point now in Colorado, you don’t have to check the calendar,” Hunt added. “You don’t have to see what day it is. Your free speech rights to wear the clothing you want to are protected at all times at the Colorado State Capitol.”
