Colorado lawmakers are pushing a controversial new bill—House Bill 25-1312, known as the “Kelly Loving Act”—that would make using the “wrong” name or pronoun a punishable offense under state discrimination law.
It’s called House Bill 25-1312, or the “Kelly Loving Act,” and it’s being pushed hard by Democrats in Colorado.
They say it’s about protecting transgender people from discrimination, but critics warn it goes way too far—and ends up trampling on free speech and personal liberty.
What the Bill Does
The bill says that if you “intentionally and repeatedly” call someone by the wrong name or pronoun—what activists call “misgendering” or “deadnaming”—you could be guilty of discrimination under Colorado’s anti-discrimination law (CADA).
That means something as simple as saying “he” instead of “she,” or using someone’s old name instead of their new chosen name, could land you in legal trouble if done more than once—even if you don’t mean any harm.
The bill also forces government offices to use a person’s chosen name on all public forms, except in legal situations where their official name is required.
It even expands what’s called “gender-affirming care” in schools, healthcare, and family law.
In short, it puts more legal weight behind transgender-related policies in just about every corner of public life.
Why Conservatives Are Worried
They argue that in a free country, people shouldn’t be forced by law to say something they don’t believe.
It’s one thing to treat everyone with kindness and respect.
It’s another thing entirely for the state to punish you for using the “wrong” word—even if it’s based on your personal beliefs, religion, or just honest mistakes.
Real-World Examples Matter
Let’s say you run a small business. One of your customers tells you they want to be called by a different name and gender.
You do your best, but you mess up a couple of times.
Under this law, they could file a discrimination complaint against you.
Or think about schools. A student changes their name and gender, but their parents don’t agree.
Now a teacher could be caught between following the law and honoring a family’s wishes.
This bill doesn’t just affect how people treat one another.
It puts the full force of the government behind one side of a cultural debate—telling citizens how they’re allowed to speak, even in public spaces.
What Supporters Say
Supporters of the bill, including Democrat lawmakers and LGBTQ+ advocacy groups, say it’s about safety and dignity.
They argue that misgendering someone on purpose can lead to emotional harm and even mental health issues.
The bill is named after Kelly Loving, a transgender woman who was tragically killed in the 2022 mass shooting at Club Q in Colorado Springs.
Backers say the law is part of honoring her memory and protecting others like her from hate or mistreatment.
But while the intention may come from a good place, many say the solution goes too far.
A Bigger Government, or a Freer People?
Here’s the big question: Do we want the government deciding what we can or can’t say—especially when it comes to personal beliefs?
In a country built on freedom of speech and conscience, the answer should be simple.
Respect and kindness are important. But they can’t be mandated by force.
When the government starts punishing people for using the “wrong” words, that’s not equality—that’s control.
As the bill moves toward a final vote, conservatives across Colorado—and the nation—should keep a close eye on what happens next.
This isn’t just about Colorado. It’s about the kind of country we want to be.
Do we trust everyday people to work out differences with one another? Or do we hand over more power to the government to control how we think and speak?
That’s a decision we all have a stake in.
This article was written with the assistance of AI. Please verify information and consult additional sources as needed.
