Why conservatives (and everybody else) should vote NO on Propositions 134 and 135

Today we need to talk about two more very bad ballot measures Colorado will vote on this year, Propositions 134 and 135. Coloradans of all political persuasions need to know why these measures are on the ballot, what they really do, and why it's so important to VOTE NO on both Propositions 134 and 135.

The campaign against 134 and 135 is called Families Not Politics. And that's what this fight is literally about. The proponents of these measures are hoping to gain political advantage in other races on this year's ballot by sticking the state's nose into private lives of children and families.

So what are we dealing with in Propositions 134 and 135? A huge mess in the making.

Propositions 134 and 135 were placed on the ballot by activists without legislative review, amendments, or a process to figure out if what they're proposing would even make sense. It's the very definition of "vague and poorly written," and the horrible unintended consequences—at least one hopes they were unintended—will fall on the very kids proponents claim they want to "protect."

Proposition 134 is supposedly about "sports fairness," and who is against that? But the way this measure would enforce its restrictions goes way beyond anything normal or necessary. Under Proposition 134, kids as young as five years old who someone thinks "don't look like girls"—maybe a short-haired girl, or a really great athlete, or simply a victim of bullying—could face a humiliating "sex verification" process.

None of this needs to be state law, since local schools and sports associations already have rules in place that address these issues.

Like its counterpart, Proposition 135 is written so poorly that millions will be spent on court battles trying to figure out exactly how it will affect existing law, or if it's even legal at all. Proposition 135 is a direct attack on the rights of parents to make medical decisions for their children. The measure's overly broad language could complicate treatment of a wide variety of medical conditions that have nothing to do with gender-affirming care.

Healthcare decisions should be made by parents and doctors, not by politicians.

This isn't about taking a side in the culture wars. There are essential principles at stake here that liberals and conservatives should all agree on. Putting invasive sexual scrutiny of children into the law isn't "small government." Neither is taking away the rights of parents and doctors to make medical decisions. Conservatives should want all of these decisions made at the local level, and by families.

Propositions 134 and 135 are cynical attempts to motivate a specific kind of voter. But in reality, these measures amount to an attack on conservative values: the rights of families and local control over one-size-fits-all mandates imposed by the state.

Take a moment right now to visit the Families Not Politics campaign website and learn more about why Propositions 134 and 135 are wrong for Colorado. And remember to vote NO on both of these terrible measures when you get your ballot.

Thanks for doing your part to protect Colorado kids and families.

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