Colorado voters delivered a political shock this week by passing two conservative-backed ballot measures restricting transgender participation in girls’ sports and banning gender transition procedures for minors β a rare policy win for social conservatives in a state that has trended sharply Democratic in recent elections.
Ballot Measures Pass Despite Blue-State Odds
With 52% of the vote, Coloradans approved Proposition 134, dubbed the “Protect Girls’ Sports Act,” which requires school sports teams to be separated by biological sex. They also passed Proposition 135, the “Protect Kids From Irreversible Sex-Change Surgery Act,” prohibiting medical gender transition procedures for those under 18. The Associated Press called both races late Tuesday night.
The victories came despite organized opposition from Planned Parenthood, LGBTQ advocacy group GLAAD, and major state medical associations. Protect Kids Colorado, the grassroots organization behind the measures, mobilized over 3,300 volunteers and 500 churches to collect 500,000 petition signatures to get the initiatives on the ballot.
‘A True Grassroots Movement’
“This was a true grassroots movement of parents, grandparents, and concerned citizens who gave their time, resources, and hearts to protect children,” said Erin Lee, executive director of Protect Kids Colorado and a mother who became an activist after her 12-year-old daughter was introduced to transgender identity at a school club.
Lee told The Daily Wire the campaign proved that child protection issues can bridge political divides. “Protecting children isn’t Republican or Democrat β it’s common sense,” she said. The measures found support even as Colorado voted more Democratic in other races, with Senate and gubernatorial margins shifting over 13 points left since 2024, per NBC News data.
National Implications
Colorado becomes the first blue state β and the first to enact such policies via direct voter referendum β to join 27 mostly Republican-led states with laws restricting transgender athletes. The vote aligns with national polling showing 70% of Americans oppose transgender athletes competing against biological females, according to Pew Research.
“Girls deserve fair competition, equal opportunity and categories that recognize biological sex,” said Jen Sey of XX-XY Athletics, who chaired the Proposition 134 campaign. The results suggest growing voter pushback against progressive gender policies, even in Democratic strongholds.
For Lee, the fight was personal. She faced a Child Protective Services investigation for refusing to affirm her daughter’s transgender identification. “I was labeled abusive for not affirming my child’s mental health distress,” she said. Now, her organization’s victory could inspire similar campaigns nationwide as the culture war over transgender issues intensifies.
Source: www.dailywire.com β https://www.dailywire.com/news/deep-blue-state-defies-odds-to-save-girls-sports-and-stop-child-gender-surgeries