Colorado Senate to Decide on Controversial Child Custody Bill
The future of parental rights in Colorado hangs in the balance as the state Senate considers a contentious bill that could impact custody decisions based on parents’ acceptance of their child’s gender identity. The proposed legislation, known as the “Kelly Loving Act,” has sparked significant debate, particularly among religious communities, for its potential to remove children from parents who oppose gender-affirming medical treatments.
House Bill 25-1312, which has already passed the Colorado House of Representatives with a 38-20 vote, seeks to introduce new factors for judges to consider in custody cases. These include whether parents use their child’s birth name rather than a self-declared name and engage in “misgendering.” The bill defines “deadnaming” as intentionally using a birth name to disregard a person’s gender identity, and classifies such actions as “coercive control,” potentially influencing custody decisions.
The Centennial Institute at Colorado Christian University has voiced strong opposition to the bill. Greg Schaller, the director of the institute, commented, “HB25-1312 sets a dangerous precedent by punishing those who live out their biblical convictions.” Schaller further argued that the bill infringes upon religious freedoms, stating, “Religious freedom doesn’t end when someone disagrees with Scripture. The sacred rights of conscience, which is fundamental to the United States Constitution, guarantees that the state cannot interfere with the rights of parents to raise their children in a manner consistent with their faith.”
The legislation has also drawn attention for its implications beyond family courts. It includes mandates for schools to implement dress codes that do not discriminate based on gender, allowing students more freedom in their choice of attire. Additionally, it prohibits places of public accommodation from publishing materials that deadname or misgender individuals, labeling such actions as discriminatory and unlawful.
Supporters of the bill argue that it prioritizes the best interests of the child, emphasizing safety and emotional well-being. However, opponents, including religious groups, caution against what they see as an overreach into parental rights and a deviation from personal convictions. The bill stipulates that courts should prioritize the child’s safety and emotional needs and consider any reports of domestic violence or coercive control when making custody decisions.
As more than twenty states have enacted bans on certain gender-affirming procedures for minors, citing concerns about irreversible medical interventions like puberty blockers and surgeries, the debate in Colorado mirrors a broader national conversation. The bill’s fate now lies with the Colorado Senate, where it will be determined whether the measures proposed will become law.
This article was originally written by www.christianpost.com
