Colorado voters have approved a ballot measure that prohibits gender-affirming surgeries for minors, according to projections from Decision Desk HQ. The measure, Proposition 135, passed with 51.92% of the vote, with over 95% of ballots counted.
The initiative blocks physicians and other individuals from performing surgical procedures that support a person's gender identity when it conflicts with their biological sex at birth. It also bars any financial coverage, including insurance and state or federal funding, for gender-affirming care for minors.
The measure needed only a simple majority to pass, and its success reflects the ongoing national debate over transgender rights. Republicans have largely supported such restrictions, arguing that minors should not undergo irreversible procedures. The issue has also created divisions among Democrats, some of whom have expressed concerns about fairness in women's sports.
Colorado's decision comes amid a wave of similar measures in other states. Earlier this year, Washington voters approved a ban on transgender athletes in girls' sports, signaling a broader trend.
Opponents of Proposition 135 argue that it infringes on the rights of transgender youth and their families to make medical decisions. They also point to the potential for increased stigma and discrimination against an already vulnerable population.
Supporters, however, contend that the measure protects minors from making life-altering decisions before they are mature enough to fully understand the consequences. They also argue that parents should not be able to authorize such procedures without broader societal oversight.
The passage of Proposition 135 adds to a contentious political landscape in Colorado, where other ballot measures have also drawn attention. For instance, voters rejected Amendment 86, keeping redistricting rules unchanged, and Democrat Jessica Killin flipped Colorado's 5th District, a historic first.
Legal challenges are expected, with civil rights organizations likely to argue that the ban violates equal protection and due process guarantees. Similar laws in other states have faced court battles, and the outcome in Colorado could set a precedent for future litigation.
The measure's passage is a significant victory for conservative advocacy groups, but it also highlights the deep partisan divisions over transgender issues. As the implementation begins, the focus will shift to how the ban is enforced and whether it withstands judicial scrutiny.
