By Jen Schumann | Contributing Writer, Rocky Mountain Voice
“If you don’t speak up now, it may be too late.” That’s the message from a growing coalition of Colorado pastors urging fellow faith leaders to take a public stand against HB25-1312 — a bill they say undermines parental rights, criminalizes biblical truth and puts families at risk.
Pastor Jeff Anderson, Senior Advisor for Faith Outreach to Congressman Jeff Crank, sent a letter Friday afternoon to pastors across Colorado urging them to speak out against the bill.
“We want to bring to your attention a critical issue affecting parental rights in Colorado,” Anderson wrote. “This bill includes provisions that could have significant implications for parents and families.”
The bill, titled “Legal Protections for Transgender Individuals,” has sparked outrage among faith leaders and parent advocacy groups who say its language weaponizes gender ideology against those who dissent on moral or religious grounds.
Anderson’s email included a fact sheet and a one-page brief titled “10 Reasons to Oppose CO HB-1312,” created by Protect Kids Colorado and Douglas County Rep. Brandi Bradley.
“Misgendering” and “deadnaming” labeled abusive
At the center of the controversy is how HB25-1312 redefines “coercive control” in custody disputes. According to opponents, the bill would allow family courts to treat a parent’s refusal to use a child’s chosen name or pronouns as abuse – jeopardizing their custody rights.
“This bill lets courts use that against you in custody battles,” one talking point reads. “It’s a weapon to silence parents who want to protect their kids.”
Supporters of the bill argue it protects vulnerable youth. But groups like Protect Kids Colorado warn it opens the door for state agencies to remove children from homes simply because a parent does not affirm a gender transition.
“This isn’t about safety; it’s about control,” one bullet point from the fact sheet states. “If the state can dictate how I respond to my child’s identity, what’s next?”
Speech restrictions in public spaces — and schools
Pastors and advocates are also sounding the alarm on provisions in the bill that expand the definition of discrimination under the Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act. Under HB25-1312, “misgendering” or “deadnaming” would be considered discrimination in any place of public accommodation — essentially anywhere outside a private home or church.
Opponents say that places like faith-based schools, counseling centers and private Christian businesses could face legal consequences for refusing to comply with gender-identity demands.
“This bill criminalizes compelled speech,” Anderson’s email warned. “[It] forces all places of accommodation (including churches and private Christian schools) to lie, to reject the word of God, Genesis 1:27-28 that He made male and female, or face consequences from the state.”
Educators could also be impacted. Talking points from the Colorado Parent Advocacy Network warn that school staff may be required to affirm gender identity changes without parental notification or consent.
Charter schools are not exempt. “Their autonomy to determine dress code and policy is at risk,” another document explains. “It opens the door for the state to weaponize complaints against schools that don’t fall in line.”
Pastors speak out — and mobilize
Over 20 Colorado pastors have signed onto the joint message urging others to act.
Among the signers are Pastor Steve Holt of The Road, Pastor Lawson Perdue of Charis Christian Center, and Andrew Wommack of Truth & Liberty Coalition. Other signers include Pastor Gabriel Valle of Iglesia Venga tu Reino, Pastor Todd Hudnall of Radiant Church, Pastor Stewart McWilliams of Fellowship of the Rockies, Pastor Rick Cofer of Living Word Community Church, Pastor John Bornschein of Calvary Fellowship Fountain, Pastor Darren Melugin of Mountain View Bible Church, Pastor Tim Dane of Mesa Hills Bible Church, Pastor Paul Aragon of Restoration Church, Pastor Matt Miller of Grace Baptist Church, Pastor Jason Brockman of Colorado Springs Baptist Church, Pastor Dean Hawk of Rock Family Church, Pastor Chris Kroger of Roots Church, Pastor Brian Michaels of Springs Lighthouse, Pastor Brian Petak of The Ascent Church, Pastor Matt Johnson of Brave Church, Pastor Sean Cole, Pastor Chris Goble of Ridgeline Community Church and Pastor Chuck Anderson of Discovery News.
Their recommendations include:
- Preaching about the bill from the pulpit
- Signing and sharing the Colorado Parent Advocacy Network petition
- Emailing senators via Heritage Action’s campaign tool
- Preparing congregants to testify at the Capitol when the bill is heard in committee
They also urge pastors and church leaders to connect with key partners in the fight against HB25-1312. These include Erin Lee of Protect Kids Colorado and Stop Gender Ideology, David Rainbow at Colorado Christian University, and Lori Gimelshteyn with the Colorado Parent Advocacy Network.
“This is a fight for parental rights, free speech and truth,” the materials read. “We must fight back before it’s too late.”
To add your name to the coalition or get involved, pastors are encouraged to contact Pastor Jeff Anderson directly at [email protected].