In a significant development for religious freedom, Camp Id-Ra-Ha-Je, a beloved Christian summer camp in Colorado, has secured an exemption from the state’s transgender accommodation licensing requirements following a federal lawsuit settlement. This decision is a victory for the camp, which has been a cherished institution since 1948, offering summer programs for children aged 6 to 17.
The Colorado Department of Early Childhood (CDEC) and Camp Id-Ra-Ha-Je announced the settlement earlier this week, bringing an end to a legal battle that began when the camp sought a religious exemption from state guidelines that mandated licensed camps to allow campers to use facilities aligned with their gender identity. The camp argued that these regulations conflicted with its Christian beliefs and mission.
Represented by the Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF), Camp Id-Ra-Ha-Je filed its lawsuit in May, asserting that the CDEC had denied its request for a religious exemption. The camp’s legal team emphasized that the state’s gender-identity rules imposed on them were contrary to their faith-based practices. The regulations stem from the Colorado Civil Rights Commission’s (CCRC) rules under the Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act (CADA), which include provisions related to gender identity. However, these rules explicitly exempt places primarily used for religious purposes, such as Camp Id-Ra-Ha-Je.
Dr. Lisa Roy, the executive director of CDEC, expressed satisfaction with the settlement, stating, "We are glad to support Camp Id-Ra-Ha-Je’s understanding of their ability to provide a religious camp experience to kids." Importantly, she noted that the camp was never under threat of closure during the proceedings.
As part of the settlement, the CDEC issued an information memo clarifying that the gender-identity regulations do not apply to child care providers operating as religious institutions. This guidance aims to prevent future misunderstandings and ensure that religious organizations are aware of their rights under Colorado law.
The ADF’s legal counsel, Andrea Dill, celebrated the outcome, asserting that "government officials should never put a dangerous ideology ahead of kids." Dill emphasized the importance of respecting the beliefs of religious ministries regarding human sexuality, stating, "We’re pleased that Camp Id-Ra-Ha-Je is again free to operate as it has for more than 75 years: as a Christian summer camp that accepts all campers without fear of being punished for its beliefs."
Camp Id-Ra-Ha-Je is known for its diverse range of activities, including off-site backpacking trips and on-site recreational options. Each year, the camp welcomes around 3,000 children, with a mission to "win souls to Jesus Christ through the spreading of the Gospel." The camp invites children from all backgrounds and beliefs, ensuring that parents agree to the camp’s policies during registration.
This settlement not only reinforces the camp’s commitment to its Christian values but also serves as a broader reminder of the importance of religious freedom in America. As the landscape of societal norms continues to shift, the ability for faith-based organizations to operate according to their beliefs remains a crucial issue for many.
For more information about Camp Id-Ra-Ha-Je and its programs, visit their official website at Camp Id-Ra-Ha-Je.