Tue Apr 08 07:00:00 UTC 2025: **Colorado Democrats Push Through Controversial Gender and Abortion Bills Amid Republican Outcry**

DENVER, CO – The Colorado House of Representatives, controlled by Democrats, passed four highly controversial bills on Sunday related to gender identity, abortion access, and parental rights, sparking fierce criticism from Republicans. The bills were passed with limited debate, a move Republicans called unprecedented and a tactic to silence opposition.

The legislation includes a measure requiring taxpayer funding for abortion services (SB25-183), another mandating insurance coverage for transgender procedures regardless of age (HB25-1309), and a bill establishing state-mandated gender policies in schools and defining parental refusal to affirm a child’s chosen gender as coercive control in custody disputes (HB25-1312). A fourth bill (SB25-129) prohibits cooperation with out-of-state investigations into transgender procedures and abortions.

Republican House Minority Leader Rose Pugliese denounced the Sunday passage as an attempt to “punish the minority,” particularly given the highly contentious nature of the bills. She highlighted the lack of filibuster or delay, stating that discussion on legislation impacting parental rights and public safety was effectively shut down.

The Democratic majority defended their actions, citing the need to utilize all available time within the 120-day legislative session to address the will of the voters. They pointed to the passage of Amendment 79 last November, which protects abortion rights, as justification. Democratic lawmakers also framed the bills as a necessary response to perceived threats from the Trump administration regarding LGBTQ+ rights and abortion access.

One Colorado Democrat drew sharp criticism for comparing parent groups opposed to the legislation to the Ku Klux Klan. The bills now move to the Democrat-controlled Senate for consideration. The swift passage and the inflammatory rhetoric surrounding the legislation have ignited a major political firestorm in Colorado.

Read More