A Christian think tank based in Colorado is urging the state’s Democrat-controlled Senate to reject a controversial piece of legislation that could potentially strip parents of custody rights if they oppose transgender medical treatments for their children. This proposed law, known as the "Kelly Loving Act," has raised significant concerns among advocates for religious freedom and parental rights.
The bill, which has already passed the Colorado House of Representatives, seeks to introduce new criteria for judges to consider when making child custody decisions. Among these criteria are the use of a child’s birth name instead of their chosen name and instances of "misgendering." Critics argue that this legislation could set a dangerous precedent by penalizing parents who adhere to their biblical beliefs regarding gender identity.
In a statement, the Centennial Institute at Colorado Christian University expressed strong opposition to House Bill 25-1312. Greg Schaller, director of the institute, highlighted that the bill undermines the fundamental rights of parents to raise their children according to their faith. "Religious freedom doesn’t end when someone disagrees with Scripture," Schaller stated. "The sacred rights of conscience, which are fundamental to the United States Constitution, guarantee that the state cannot interfere with the rights of parents to raise their children in a manner consistent with their faith."
The bill, which was approved by a vote of 38-20, defines "coercive control" as actions that threaten, humiliate, or intimidate individuals, including behaviors such as deadnaming or misgendering. Deadnaming refers to the act of using a person’s birth name instead of their self-identified name, while misgendering involves using incorrect pronouns or honorifics that do not align with an individual’s gender identity.
The legislation also instructs courts to prioritize the best interests of the child when determining custody arrangements, taking into account any reports related to domestic violence or coercive control. However, the inclusion of parental beliefs about gender identity in custody considerations has sparked significant backlash from religious groups and advocates for parental rights.
The bill further specifies that it is against state policy for any external authority to remove a child from their parents based solely on the parents’ assistance in obtaining gender-affirming healthcare services. This term encompasses a range of medical interventions for individuals experiencing gender dysphoria, such as hormone therapy and surgeries. Concerns about the long-term effects of these procedures have led numerous states to enact bans on certain medical treatments for minors.
In addition to custody issues, the legislation also addresses school dress codes, mandating that schools cannot enforce rules based on gender and must allow students to adhere to varying dress code interpretations. Furthermore, it prohibits public accommodations from engaging in practices that involve deadnaming or misgendering individuals.
The fate of House Bill 25-1312 now lies in the hands of the Colorado Senate, where advocates for parental rights and religious freedom are hopeful that the bill will be rejected. As the debate continues, many are calling for a careful examination of the implications this legislation could have on families and the fundamental rights of parents to guide their children’s upbringing according to their convictions.
For more information on the implications of this legislation and how it aligns with parental rights and religious freedom, you can visit the Family Research Council and Alliance Defending Freedom for their insights and resources on the matter. As this situation unfolds, it remains crucial for communities to stay informed and engaged in discussions surrounding the intersection of faith, family, and law.