Your Board of Douglas County Commissioners is taking a stand for families and parental rights by passing a resolution opposing Colorado House Bill 25-1312, a bill they believe oversteps government authority and harms the very people it claims to protect: kids and their parents.
The bill, which was introduced to the Senate on April 22, would classify “deadnaming and misgendering” as discriminatory acts and add rules to schools regarding chosen names and dress code policies. Douglas County Commissioners voiced serious concerns about the bill’s long-term impact on families and schools.
“I think it’s become increasingly clear that Denver and the State Legislature have, in large part, forgotten the people of Douglas County, or ignore the people of Douglas County altogether,” said Commissioner Kevin Van Winkle. “For us, here, remaining silent is no longer an option. When government intrudes into the home and the family, where government has no business, it’s our duty as Commissioners to at least voice our opposition.”
Here’s what the bill includes:
- Out-of-State Orders: Colorado courts would be prohibited from recognizing custody rulings from other states if those decisions were based on a parent allowing or not allowing gender-related healthcare.
- School Policies: If schools or districts have policies about chosen names, those policies must be inclusive, not just about gender identity, but any reason a student might adopt a name different from their legal name. Also, all school dress codes must be free of gender-based rules, allowing students to choose any option provided, regardless of gender identity.
- Public Forms and Names: Government forms must allow individuals to provide both their legal and chosen names, and the chosen name must be used moving forward unless legal reasons require otherwise.
- Discrimination Protections: The bill classifies deadnaming and misgendering as discriminatory under the Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act, making them prohibited in public accommodations unless legal identification requires otherwise.
Commissioners say these changes create confusion and burden schools, public employees and parents alike. In the resolution, the Board emphasized their commitment to protecting children while preserving parental authority. They also warned that HB25-1312 could introduce vague legal standards, force educators and employers to navigate evolving personal identities without clarity and penalize people for unintentional missteps.
“As a Republican County Commissioner and a proud member of the LGBT community, I recognize the importance of safeguarding the rights and dignity of all individuals,” said Commissioner Abe Laydon. “HB25-1312 seeks to address legitimate concerns of discrimination and the well-being of transgender individuals, particularly in areas of family law and education. However, it is essential to balance these protections with the preservation of parent rights, religious freedom and freedom of speech.”