Colorado is expected to become the latest state to pass legislation that aims to combat weight discrimination and promote inclusivity. The move comes as obesity rates continue to rise across the United States. The law, which prohibits “fatphobia” discrimination, aims to prevent landlords from discriminating against renters based on weight limits and to implement workplace accommodations for overweight Americans.
The legislation follows in the footsteps of Michigan, which became the first state to ban weight-based discrimination in 1976. The Michigan law also prohibits discrimination based on age and height. Other states, including New York, Massachusetts, Vermont, and New Jersey, are also considering similar bills.
According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Colorado currently boasts the lowest obesity rate in the country, standing at 25 percent. In contrast, West Virginia has the highest obesity rate at 71 percent, followed closely by Louisiana, Mississippi, and Oklahoma.
The move to ban weight discrimination has received support from various groups and activists. Kristal Hartman, an activist with the Obesity Action Coalition, emphasized the importance of addressing weight stigma, bias, and discrimination. She believes that these laws are necessary to humanize obesity as a disease and remove blame and shame from the equation. Hartman hopes that Colorado’s legislation will inspire similar efforts across the country.
The new laws are expected to be passed in Colorado in 2024, signaling a significant step forward in the fight against weight discrimination. By implementing these measures, Colorado aims to create a future where weight stigma is a thing of the past.
It is important to note that this news report is based on information from reliable sources. However, it is crucial for readers to critically evaluate the content and consider multiple perspectives on the topic.
