The Colorado House of Representatives passed several hot-button issue bills on Sunday (March 6). The bills cover abortion access and gender-related protections, which has reportedly kicked up heated debate along party lines.
The legislative package included a bill aligning state law with a constitutional amendment passed by voters in 2023 that guarantees abortion rights. This measure (SB25-183) redefines family planning services to include abortion and permits Medicaid and state employee insurance to cover such procedures, World News Group reported.
Gender-related issues
Another bill, HB25-1309, mandates that health insurance providers cover care deemed gender-affirming, including hormones and surgeries, for both minors and adults, WNG reported. It also blocks the tracking of testosterone prescriptions.
The most debated measure, HB25-1312, adds “deadnaming” and “misgendering” to definitions of coercive control, potentially affecting child custody rulings, reported 9News Denver. Supporters say the bill protects parents who affirm their child’s gender identity, while critics argue it risks penalizing those who question or oppose it, the report said.
Republicans strongly opposed the timing and content of the votes, accusing Democrats of rushing the process and limiting debate. GOP leaders also reportedly criticized what they called state overreach into parental rights and public safety, Fox News reported. The bills now move to the Democratic-led Senate for further consideration.
See related headlines:
Colorado passes abortion funding, advances transgender bills -World News Group
Colorado bill sparks debate over parental rights and gender identity protections – Denver News 9
NOTE: The links above are a sampling of headlines related to story and are not an endorsement of all viewpoints or reporting.
EDITOR’S NOTE — This report was compiled by The Baptist Paper.
