By Brian Porter | Rocky Mountain Voice
Protect Kids Colorado is locked in for another run this summer at a ballot initiative protecting children, co-founder Erin Lee said Monday evening in an organizational call.
“We’re a broad coalition,” Lee said. “We are proudly non-partisan. We come together for initiatives that protect kids and strengthen families.”
She has grown concerned with school districts and hospitals which have not complied with directives from the federal government related to gender-affirming medicine and diversity, equity and inclusion programs.
Members of her organization have been watching bills of interest in the 75th Colorado Legislature and appearing to testify with a position. Examples of some positive bills she gave include House Bill 25-1251, by Republican Rep. Scott Bottoms; HB 25-1253, by Republican Rep. Brandi Bradley; and HB 25-1255, by Republican Rep. Stephanie Luck. There are also bills of concern Protect Kids Colorado is opposing, like Senate Bill 25-129, by Democrat Sens. Lisa Cutter and Faith Winter; and SB 25-130, by Julie Gonzales and Mike Weissman.
“These lawmakers exist in an echo chamber,” Lee said of the noted bills her organization opposes. “They only want to hear from their echo chamber. They are not used to having experts on the other side shoot down their nonsensical theories.”
She adds the bills her organization supports are of equal importance for the public to support in testimony as the bills of concern, but testimony certainly makes a difference against bills like SB 129 and SB 130.
“When 20 of us show up and put on the record that we’re not OK with this, it moves the needle,” Lee said.
Bradley’s measure concerns the creation of a “Youth Health Protection Act”. The bill prohibits the performance or participation in a medical procedure or treatment which furthers the ability of a minor to appear in a manner that is inconsistent with the minor’s sex.
“This is not good for our children,” Bradley said.
Added Lee: “They [minors] are sold a bill of lies that all their problems will be fixed by becoming the opposite sex.”
When they are not, Lee says, it leads to harmful effects, including suicide.
“There are some highly-principled lawmakers,” said Dr. Travis Morrell, who often testifies against transitional bills. “The Democrat representatives are so insulated by activists.”
Gender-affirming medicine is being used on children as young as age 8, he says.
More information on Protect Kids Colorado is available through the organization’s website.