The Chiles v. Salazar decision this week was a stunning rebuke to Colorado’s political class.

In an overwhelming 8–1 ruling, the Supreme Court of the United States struck down the state’s conversion therapy ban, making clear the government cannot censor speech simply because it disagrees with the viewpoint.

If that sounds familiar, it’s because the Supreme Court has repeatedly struck down Colorado laws over the past decade for violating the First Amendment.

Yet lawmakers at the Capitol are charging ahead with new legislation that once again undermines parental rights, attempting to dictate how parents raise their own children.

It makes you wonder: Do these legislators not understand the First Amendment at all?

HB26-1309

HB26-1309 will be a slippery slope if passed.

The bill seeks to modify court proceedings in child custody cases by first compelling the court to make a snapshot determination of whether the case includes parental abuse.

This broadens the definition of abuse, similarly to how previous bills have considered a parent's decision to not affirm a child's gender confusion as child abuse.

If a judge makes a determination of "abuse," parental rights can be stripped from the "abusing" parent entirely, including making it unlawful to:

• Tell your child they're not old enough to transition their gender

• Take away your child's phone for a week

• Track your child's location to make sure they're safe

• Try to talk your daughter out of having an abortion  

• Stop your child from hanging out with certain friends

• Influence how and when your child spends money

The bill would also bar you from "regulating the individual's everyday behavior", which is essentially the definition of parenting.

This is quite similar to a "Red Flag" law, where due process can be stripped far too quickly, potentially influencing the outcome of the custody case.

This bill is under consideration today in the House. If it emerges from committee, we will send you an action alert to oppose it on the House floor.

Until then, stay alert!

For Freedom,

Colorado Freedom Force

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