The CADA applies to Colorado employers with less than 15 employees. It prohibits most types of workplace discrimination and retaliation that are prohibited under Title VII. But additionally, the CADA prohibits workplace discrimination and retaliation because of sexual orientation or marriage to a co-worker.

CADA provides relief against smaller employers. Many of the federal discrimination and retaliation laws (including Title VII, ADEA, and ADA) do not apply to these smaller employers.