Colorado bill aims to protect gender identity, expression

DENVER — Colorado lawmakers are considering a bill that would add “gender identity” and “gender expression” to anti-discrimination statutes as state lawmakers across the country introduce bills aimed at curbing transgender rights.

The Colorado bill would prohibit discrimination in employment, housing, financial services, health care, funeral arrangements, access to and participation in public services, education, youth services, criminal justice and transportation.

The bill passed the state Senate Judiciary committee on a 3-2 vote Wednesday and will go to the Senate floor for debate. If passed, it would go to the governor for consideration.

The bill defines “gender expression” as an individual’s way of reflecting and expressing gender, which includes appearance, dress and behavior. “Gender identity” is defined as an individual’s innate sense of their gender, which may or may not correspond with the sex assigned at birth, according to the bill’s text.

Sexual orientation is not the same as transgender, and it is not the same as gender identity and gender expression, said Sen. Dominick Moreno, one of the bill’s sponsors. “It’s important that our statute reflects the current environment,” Moreno added.

Several witnesses opposed the bill, saying it challenges religious expression and rights.

“By passing this law, the Legislature will continue the practice of creating a hierarchy of rights where religious freedom comes second to gender identity expression,” said Jeff Hunt, director of the Centennial Institute at Colorado Christian University.