Preamble
We, the people of Colorado, with profound reverence for the
Supreme Ruler of the Universe, in order to form a more independent and perfect
government; establish justice; insure tranquility; provide for the common
defense; promote the general welfare and secure the blessings of liberty to
ourselves and our posterity, do ordain and establish this constitution for the
"State of Colorado."
Article II, section
4
The free exercise and enjoyment of religious profession and
worship, without discrimination, shall forever hereafter be guaranteed; and no
person shall be denied any civil or political right, privilege or capacity, on
account of his opinions concerning religion; but the liberty of conscience
hereby secured shall not be construed to dispense with oaths or affirmations,
excuse acts of licentiousness or justify practices inconsistent with the good
order, peace or safety of the state. No person shall be required to attend or
support any ministry or place of worship, religious sect or denomination against
his consent. Nor shall any preference be given by law to any religious
denomination or mode of worship.
Article IX, section
7
Neither the general assembly, nor any county, city, town,
township, school district or other public corporation, shall ever make any
appropriation, or pay from any public fund or moneys whatever, anything in aid
of any church or sectarian society, or for any sectarian purpose, or to help
support or sustain any school, academy, seminary, college, university or other
literary or scientific institution, controlled by any church or sectarian
denomination whatsoever; nor shall any grant or donation of land, money or other
personal property, ever be made by the state, or any such public corporation to
any church, or for any sectarian purpose.
Article IX, section
8
No religious test or qualification shall ever be required
of any person as a condition of admission into any public educational
institution of the state, either as a teacher or student; and no teacher or
student of any such institution shall ever be required to attend or participate
in any religious service whatsoever. No sectarian tenets or doctrines shall ever
be taught in the public school, nor shall any distinction or classification of
pupils be made on account of race or color, nor shall any pupil be assigned or
transported to any public educational institution for the purpose of achieving
racial balance.
Article V, section
34
No appropriation shall be made for charitable, industrial,
educational or benevolent purposes to any person, corporation or community not
under the absolute control of the state, nor to any denominational or sectarian
institution or association.
Article X, section
5
Property, real and personal, that is used solely and
exclusively for religious worship, for schools or for strictly charitable
purposes, also cemeteries not used or held for private or corporate profit,
shall be exempt from taxation, unless otherwise provided by general law.