The Colorado legislature are moving forward with a controversial bill proposing new language to be treated as discriminatory.
Let’s hope it doesn’t find its way here in Nevada – but don’t be surprised if it does.
On April 2, a House committee voted 7–4 to move along a bill that says “misgendering” someone—or using the name they were given at birth, often called “deadnaming”—should be treated as discrimination.
If this becomes law, courts would have to factor this in during child custody disputes.
It would also require every school in Colorado—public, private, and charter—to teach lessons about gender identity.
Supporters say it’s about inclusion and protecting kids.
But many see something else: a shift toward government telling people what they can say, what they must teach, and how they should raise their kids.
Note: They ARE coming for YOUR kids.
This is not about gender ideology. This is a worldview divide with two different answers to the question, “to whom do children belong?”
Their answer: the state.
The correct answer: parents.
Time to fight like hell, Colorado. https://t.co/D0rhOBIe62
— Katy Faust (@Advo_Katy) April 2, 2025
So, What Does the Bill Actually Do?
The bill adds misgendering and deadnaming to the list of actions that can count as discriminatory.
For example, if a parent doesn’t use their child’s new name or pronouns in a custody case, that could be used against them. Judges would be told to consider that when deciding who gets custody.
On top of that, the bill requires that gender identity be taught in all schools—yes, even private and religious ones.
That means if a family chose a Christian or conservative school to avoid certain teachings, that choice could be taken off the table.
The Intent: Protecting Transgender People
The bill’s backers say this is about protecting transgender Coloradans—especially kids—from harm.
One of the bill’s sponsors, Rep. Stephanie Vigil, says it’s about making Colorado a place where everyone feels safe and respected.
And to be fair, most people don’t want others to be mistreated. That part makes sense.
But the way this bill goes about it is where many folks have concerns.
What Critics Are Saying
A lot of parents and free speech advocates are saying, “Wait a minute.”
It’s not that anyone is saying people should be mean to others.
They’re saying this law could punish people just for having traditional views on gender—or worse, accidentally committing an act of discrimination because they used the wrong pronoun by mistake.
There’s also a real worry about how this affects parents.
Imagine a mom or dad trying to support their child, but also struggling with how fast everything is changing.
Should they really risk losing custody over that?
And what about teachers or school leaders who don’t agree with this approach? Should they be forced to teach ideas they believe are wrong?
While this bill might reflect the values of a certain part of Colorado’s political leadership, it doesn’t seem to reflect how most people see the world.
Big Questions Moving Forward
This bill still has a way to go before it becomes law.
It has to pass both chambers of the legislature and get signed by the governor. But it’s already sending a message about where things are headed.
It raises some important questions:
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Should courts take into account a parent’s language around their own child’s gender when deciding custody?
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Should private schools lose the ability to teach what they deem beneficial, grounded, or in line with their values?
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And where does freedom of speech end and government control begin?
You don’t have to be angry to think those questions matter.
You just have to care about freedom—and about making sure the government doesn’t go further than it should.
This article was written with the assistance of AI. Please verify information and consult additional sources as needed.
