Freedom
Colorado Bill Sparks Parental Rights Controversy
In a concerning development for families across Colorado, a new legislative proposal threatens to undermine the fundamental rights of parents to guide their children according to their faith and values. The bill, known as HB1312 or the “Kelly Loving Act,” has already passed the Colorado House of Representatives and is now making its way through the state Senate. This legislation could classify parents as abusive if they do not affirm their child’s gender confusion, potentially leading to the removal of children from their homes.
The bill aims to add “misgendering” and “deadnaming” to the list of discriminatory acts under Colorado’s Anti-Discrimination Act, prohibiting these actions in public spaces. More alarmingly, it mandates that courts consider whether parents are affirming their child’s gender dysphoria in custody disputes. Parents who encourage their children to embrace their God-given gender could face losing custody.
Republican Rep. Jarvis Caldwell has been vocal in his opposition, accusing Democrats of silencing debate by fast-tracking the bill. He expressed concerns that the legislation codifies into law that if parents do not affirm their child’s gender identity, they could be accused of child abuse and risk losing custody.
The repercussions of such legislation are already being felt by parents like Dustin Gonzalez. This Christian father lost custody of his 12-year-old daughter after school officials transitioned her to a different gender identity without his consent. Gonzalez declared, “I’m not just fighting for my daughter. I am fighting to make sure that what happened to me and my family never happens to another parent in this district. The school didn’t inform me, they didn’t ask them, they replaced me.”
Gonzalez’s heartbreaking story is a stark reminder of the dangers posed by this bill. “They didn’t accuse me of abuse, they didn’t claim I caused harm. The only evidence against me was that I said I am not ready to affirm this yet. That’s it,” he shared. “And now I’m at risk of losing parenting time and being erased from my daughter’s life.”
This is not an isolated incident. Across the nation, parents are facing similar battles. In Indiana, Mary and Jeremy Cox lost custody of their child due to their refusal to affirm a gender identity that conflicts with their Biblical beliefs. Mary expressed the pain of having limited access to her children, stating, “I miss his laugh. I miss being with him…we never get that time back.”
Tragically, some stories have ended in irreversible loss. Abigail Martinez, a California mother, lost her daughter to suicide after losing custody because she did not celebrate her child’s gender dysphoria. Martinez testified, “My daughter was murdered by a gender ideology. I lost my daughter over a name and pronouns.”
These stories highlight the urgent need for parents and communities to stand together in defense of parental rights and traditional values. Colorado State Rep. Caldwell is urging citizens to take action before it’s too late. He warned of the bill’s potential to make it impossible for parents to seek help for their gender-confused children by declaring such help as child abuse.
As this bill moves to the Colorado Senate Judiciary Committee, it is crucial for people of faith and conviction to raise their voices. The battle for the soul of our families and the future of our children is at stake. Let us stand firm in our commitment to faith, family, and freedom, ensuring that our God-given rights as parents are upheld.
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