A newly proposed bill in Colorado has stirred significant debate, as it seeks to classify “misgendering” and “deadnaming” as forms of child abuse, or “coercive control,” during child custody disputes. Introduced on Friday, House Bill 25-1312 (HB25-1312) is set to go before the House Judiciary Committee on Tuesday. The bill’s sponsors, Democratic Reps. Lorena García, Rebekah Stewart Faith Winter, and Sen. Chris Kolker, aim to address what they perceive as discrimination against transgender and gender nonconforming individuals, particularly in the context of family law.
At the core of the bill is the assertion that “misgendering” and “deadnaming” should be considered forms of coercive control, which could influence custody decisions. The bill defines “misgendering” as intentionally using incorrect pronouns or honorifics that conflict with an individual’s gender identity, while “deadnaming” refers to intentionally calling a transgender person by their birth name, rather than their chosen name. Proponents argue that these actions, in the context of family disputes, could create an environment of harm for children, undermining their gender identity and expression.
According to the bill’s summary, courts would be required to factor in such actions when determining the best interests of a child in custody decisions. This means that in a custody dispute, a parent who refuses to acknowledge or support their child’s gender identity through their chosen name or pronouns could be considered engaging in “coercive control,” potentially influencing the court’s decision on parenting time and custody arrangements.
In addition to affecting custody cases, HB25-1312 would also amend the Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act. It would classify “deadnaming” and “misgendering” as discriminatory acts in places of public accommodation, which could essentially prohibit individuals from using someone’s legal or birth name or biological sex in public spaces. This could extend to various sectors, including education, business, and government institutions, compelling them to adhere to a person’s chosen gender identity in all interactions.
The bill further takes a stance against legal actions from other states that ban or restrict access to “gender-affirming care,” such as hormone treatments or surgeries for minors. It would prohibit Colorado courts from complying with orders or laws from other states that mandate the removal of children from parents or guardians who allow them access to such treatments.
In addition to affecting custody disputes and discrimination laws, the bill proposes significant changes in schools and public entities. Schools that have policies related to “chosen names” would be required to clarify the reasons why students may choose to go by a name different from their legal one, with the goal of fostering an environment that “recognizes and respects” students’ gender identities.
Public entities that require individuals to disclose their names would also be required to offer options for both legal and chosen names. If an individual’s chosen name differs from their legal name, the public entity would be obligated to use that chosen name on all subsequent forms.
The bill has faced backlash from some critics, particularly those who argue that it extends the power of the state and judicial system into areas of personal belief and freedom. Opponents of the bill contend that it unfairly criminalizes actions like “misgendering” or “deadnaming” without recognizing the complexities and personal perspectives surrounding gender identity. Additionally, some worry that the bill could infringe on parental rights by mandating that parents must affirm their child’s gender identity, regardless of their own beliefs.
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How about naming this kind of crapola in a dimwit nitwit fashion real family interference. Take them to court. This is a ridiculous bill and definitely family interference! Colorado evidently does not have enough sense in their state legislature to create any bill that is intelligent!