Colorado Governor Signs Legislation Protecting Transgender Rights
Colorado Governor Jared Polis signed into law a groundbreaking legislation on Friday that explicitly protects transgender individuals from being “deadnamed” or misgendered in certain settings. The law, known as House Bill 1312 or the Kelly Loving Act, expands the state’s antidiscrimination laws to include provisions that support using a person’s chosen name and preferred gender identity.
The new law is named after Kelly Loving, a transgender woman who tragically lost her life in a mass shooting at Club Q in Colorado Springs in 2022. It aims to make it easier for individuals to change their gender identity on official documents like birth certificates and driver’s licenses, as well as their names on marriage licenses.
Z Williams, from the law firm Bread and Roses, expressed optimism about the impact of the legislation, stating, “The Kelly Loving Act is a beacon of hope to trans people across the country. Our organizing works. Hope is still alive. To be trans is to know how to struggle. We will not stop this work until every trans person is safe and free.”
The bill faced challenges during its journey through the legislature, with conservative opposition and debates among LGBTQ+ advocacy groups. Governor Polis signed the bill into law administratively, without a formal statement or ceremony.
The legislation, sponsored by Democratic lawmakers, includes immediate antidiscrimination protections and a provision that allows students to choose from any uniform option at schools with dress codes. The name- and gender-changing provisions will take effect on October 1, 2026.
House Bill 1312 was developed based on input from over 500 transgender individuals in Colorado, many of whom shared their experiences of discrimination. Despite initial concerns and revisions, the bill successfully passed both chambers of the legislature before being signed into law.
Another related bill, House Bill 1309, which guarantees access to gender-affirming care, is also expected to be signed by Governor Polis. Both bills represent significant progress in protecting and supporting the transgender community in Colorado.
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Original Publication Date: May 16, 2025 at 4:26 PM MDT
