Colorado General Assembly passes Kelly III Loving Act to protect gender affirming care rights

The Colorado House convened on April 6, 2025, for Legislative Day 089, where significant discussions centered around proposed legislation aimed at protecting the rights of individuals regarding gender identity and affirming health care services.

The meeting began with the introduction of the Kelly III Loving Act, which seeks to establish protections against the enforcement of laws from other states that could lead to the removal of children from their parents or guardians for allowing access to gender-affirming health care. This act emphasizes that Colorado courts will not recognize such laws, reinforcing the state's commitment to safeguarding parental rights in these matters.

Subsequent discussions focused on policies related to chosen names within educational settings. The legislation mandates that local education providers must adopt inclusive policies that recognize and respect students' chosen names, regardless of their legal names. This includes ensuring that dress codes do not discriminate based on gender and allow students to express their identity freely.

Further provisions were introduced to define "deadnaming" and "misgendering" as discriminatory acts under the Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act, thereby prohibiting these practices in public accommodations. This move aims to foster a more inclusive environment for individuals of diverse gender identities.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to further refine these legislative proposals, ensuring they align with the best interests of children and uphold the principles of equality and respect for all individuals in Colorado. The next steps will involve continued discussions and potential amendments to the proposed legislation as it moves through the legislative process.