Opinion: Denver Ordinance 308 to ban fur, other animal products would put city’s heritage and economy at risk
Colorado Sun
As a lifelong hunter, angler, former Deputy Mayor of Denver, trustee of the National Western Stock Show and newest member of the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission appointed by Gov. Jared Polis, I’ve witnessed firsthand the deep and intricate relationship Denver has with its outdoor heritage. I embrace my new role on the commission representing sportspersons with pride and respect for Colorado’s wildlife and the communities that treasure our outdoor experiences.
It is this perspective that drives my concern over the proposed Denver fur ban — Initiated Ordinance 308 — which threatens to upend a vital part of our city’s culture and economy.
As a Denver native, I grew up with many of my weekends occupied with my love for hiking, fishing and hunting. My family would often leave our suburban neighborhood to explore Colorado’s beauty and all that our great state and its communities have to offer. One thing I have always appreciated about Denver is its connection and appreciation to the outdoors and its stewardship of our state’s and city’s resources.
Denver’s history and identity is rooted in its connection to the land, wildlife and outdoor pursuits. This isn’t just a pastime; it’s a shared way of life that binds generations together and supports countless small businesses and our city and state economy.
The proposed fur ban is not just an attack on fur — it’s an attack on the lifeblood of what makes Denver desirable to residents and visitors from all over the world.
When I served as Denver’s deputy mayor, I came to understand the importance of our cultural and economic pillars. Events like the Denver March Powwow and the National Western Stock Show are not just annual highlights and staples in our community; they foster countless traditions that bring together our diverse communities, create jobs and generate significant economic activity within our city.
The stock show alone, in 2023, brought in $171 million across Colorado’s economy. It’s not simply a showcase of agriculture and Western heritage — it’s a vital part of Denver’s identity and economic engine. Yet, if Ordinance 308 passes, it would jeopardize a long-standing tradition by prohibiting small business exhibitors from selling many of the items that are integral to the event’s success, like authentic outerwear and fly-fishing equipment.
Let’s not forget that this ban would even affect Denver’s anglers, whose pastime has been a cherished Colorado tradition for generations. Prohibiting the sale of many flies and fishing lures would hurt fishing shops and tackle stores, many of which are small, family-owned businesses that have served our community for decades. For Coloradans who love the outdoors, this is more than just an inconvenience — it’s an encroachment on a way of life that defines who we are.
This ordinance would also directly impact cultural events like the Denver March Powwow and the Indian Market & Southwest Art Fest, where vendors sell authentic Native American products, many incorporating fur. These gatherings are not just markets; they are celebrations of heritage and identity for tribes across the country. The ban would make it nearly impossible for many of these vendors to participate, threatening the financial sustainability of these beloved events and stripping them of their authenticity.
How about our local retail businesses — custom hatmakers, fur artisans and local fishing shops, even your outdoor gear retailers that sell feather down coats and like equipment? Denver has long been home to craftspeople who pour their skill and passion into products that are beautiful and functional. For these businesses, large and small, the fur prohibition is not just a philosophical debate — it’s a matter of survival. Forcing them to close their doors or relocate is an unacceptable cost for a city that prides itself on supporting small businesses and local culture.
I believe this proposed prohibition is an overreach with serious unintended consequences. Denver has always been a place where respect for wildlife and the pursuit of outdoor traditions must coexist. The fur ban ignores this delicate balance and risks dismantling the cultural and economic threads that hold our community together and make us unique.
This is why I’m imploring Denver residents to join the “Hands Off My Hat, Denver” campaign and vote “no” on Initiated Ordinance 308. Let’s protect our heritage, our small businesses and the unique way of life that makes Denver and the state of Colorado so special.
Murphy Robinson of Littleton is the former Deputy Mayor of Denver, a trustee of the National Western Stock Show, and a member of the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission.
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