As early voting begins in Colorado today, Amnesty International USA urges voters to reject Proposition 134 and Proposition 135, which strip young transgender people of their right to access healthcare and participate in public life.
Reacting to these ballot measures, Karla Gonzales Garcia, Amnesty International USA’s Director of Gender, Sexuality & Identity, said:
“These ballot measures would violate the safety, health, privacy, and dignity of transgender youth across Colorado. Every young person has the right to make decisions about their health and participate in public life without discrimination. Propositions 134 and 135 strip young transgender people of those rights and use their identities as pawns for political gain.
“Restricting access to gender-affirming care, which is considered critical medical treatment, would endanger transgender lives. Similarly, barring participation in athletic programs would isolate transgender youth and rob them of important social bonds.
“We cannot allow these discriminatory and cruel ballot initiatives to force transgender communities from existence. This is a direct assault on the livelihood and wellbeing of our transgender youth, and amid escalating anti-LGBTQ+ attacks, these ballot measures could pave the way for broader laws that legalize discrimination against LGBTQ+ people in Colorado.
“Transgender youth are our family members, friends, neighbors, and loved ones. Their rights should not be on the ballot. Coloradans must vote NO on Propositions 134 and 135. Together, we must continue to fight for a better future for all young people.”
Background
Proposition 134 would bar transgender youth from participating in school and college sports teams that match their gender identity. Proposition 135 would prohibit medical professionals from providing gender-affirming care to transgender youth who are under 18 years old.
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