Colorado Democrats announced plans to review four voter-approved ballot measures, including restrictions on transgender athletes and fentanyl penalties, following their passage in the November election.
Democratic leaders, including Gov.-elect Philip Weiser, indicated the legislature may revisit Propositions 134 and 135, which bar male athletes from girls’ sports and prohibit gender-related surgeries for transgender minors. Propositions 132 and 133, which increase penalties for fentanyl possession and make child sex trafficking punishable by life in prison, are also under consideration for legislative adjustments.
The measures passed despite Democrats winning statewide races, drawing immediate criticism from Republicans who accused Democrats of undermining voter will.
Weiser, in his first post-election news conference, suggested the legislature could modify the voter-approved laws, stating it is "statutory … and a natural and I believe appropriate role for the legislature to say ‘what are the adjustments that need to be added.’" He also raised concerns about privacy implications of the sports-related measure, saying, "I don’t believe it would be acceptable to Colorado to have every student athlete to have to go through full-body examinations or other invasions of privacy."
Republican lawmakers in suburban Denver criticized Weiser’s remarks, dubbing him "King Phil I" and arguing his stance contradicts democratic principles. A spokesperson for Weiser did not respond to requests for further comment.
The ballot measures reflect broader national debates over transgender rights and drug policy enforcement. Proposition 134 passed with 56% of the vote, while Proposition 135 received 58% support. Proposition 132, targeting fentanyl offenses, passed with 63% approval, and Proposition 133, on child sex trafficking, secured 71% support.
Supporters of the measures, including advocacy groups and parents of transgender children, hailed the results as a victory for safety and fairness. Opponents, including LGBTQ+ rights organizations, vowed to challenge any legislative attempts to weaken the new laws.
The legislature is expected to begin discussions on potential adjustments to the measures in the coming legislative session.