Colorado legislators review updates to the Kelly Loving Act for transgender protections

The Colorado Senate convened on May 6, 2025, for Legislative Day 118, where significant discussions centered around House Bill 1312, known as the Kelly Loving Act. This bill aims to enhance legal protections for transgender individuals, addressing concerns about discrimination and mental health impacts within the community.

The meeting began with a passionate appeal from a senator who emphasized the importance of listening to transgender voices, particularly from rural areas. They highlighted the fear many individuals face regarding their safety and rights, stating, "This is about discrimination. This is about protection. This is about saving lives." The senator underscored the necessity of the bill in reducing suicide rates among transgender individuals.

However, the discussion quickly turned contentious as another senator, Kirkmeyer, raised concerns about the bill's introduction process. They criticized the timing of the bill's introduction, claiming it was done in a manner that limited public awareness and input. Kirkmeyer referenced numerous emails from constituents expressing confusion and concern over the bill's implications, particularly regarding parental rights and custody issues.

Key points of contention included provisions that would allow courts to consider "coercive control" in custody decisions, which some senators argued could unfairly penalize parents for not affirming their child's gender identity. Kirkmeyer expressed apprehension that the bill could lead to parents losing custody over disagreements about their child's name or gender identity, stating, "This is scary for them."

The bill also includes provisions for changing names on legal documents, which raised questions about the potential for frequent changes without adequate tracking. Kirkmeyer argued that this could complicate legal processes, particularly in custody cases, and undermine parental authority.

Despite the heated debate, some amendments to the bill were acknowledged as positive changes. For instance, certain controversial sections were removed, which Kirkmeyer noted as a step in the right direction. However, the senator maintained that significant concerns remained, particularly regarding how the bill could affect parental rights and the role of schools in addressing gender identity.

The meeting concluded with a call for further consideration of the bill's implications, particularly in relation to parental rights and the responsibilities of educational institutions. As the Senate prepares for the next steps, the discussions highlighted the ongoing tension between advancing protections for transgender individuals and addressing the concerns of parents and guardians in Colorado.