Colorado Democrats Push Controversial Bill, Undermining Parental Rights and Imposing Extreme Ideology on Foster Families

A deeply concerning bill has been introduced in Colorado that seeks to impose a highly controversial and destructive policy on foster families. Colorado HB 24-1017, known as the Bill of Rights for Foster Youth, would compel foster families in the state to affirm the chosen gender identity of a foster child under their care.

This alarming legislation, sponsored by Democrat Rep. Lindsey Daugherty, is yet another example of Colorado Democrats eroding parental rights in favor of an extreme and divisive woke agenda.

The bill claims to protect the rights of children and youth in foster care, including those who identify as LGBTQ+. While it is crucial to ensure fair and equal treatment for all individuals, this bill goes too far by mandating that foster families affirm the gender identity of a foster child without considering any other factors or consulting with the child's biological parents or legal guardians.

Rep. Ryan Armagost speaking against HB24-1017, “This is a a giant step in the wrong direction of repairing the foster system in Colorado. When we have people that choose to abort their child verses put them up to adoption simply because they experienced the foster system growing up and how broken it was – is bad.

Under the guise of protecting LGBTQ+ youth in foster care, the bill fails to acknowledge the complexities and nuances of each individual case. It assumes that all foster children who identify as LGBTQ+ face rejection or mistreatment, leading to an additional layer of trauma. While it is crucial to address any mistreatment or discrimination, it is unfair to impose such a broad and sweeping policy that disregards the unique circumstances of each foster care situation – excluding parents and adults from these complex conversations.

PRIME SPONSORS

• Rep. Lindsey Daugherty

• Rep. Jennifer Parenti

• Sen. Rachel Zenzinger

This bill establishes a statutory bill of rights for children and youth in foster care, excluding those detained by or committed to the care of the division of youth services.

HB 24-1017 requires the office of the child's representative to develop a written notice of rights and mandates that county departments of human or social services provide this notice to each youth over the age of five. While the intention to protect the rights of foster youth is commendable, the bill should also take into account the importance of parental involvement in decision-making.

Rep. Leslie Herod speaking in favor of HB24-1017, “I just wanted to come down here as a black queer Christian and talk about the experience of my religion. Because quiet frankly, I’m sick of people using Christanity as an excuse to discriminate against LBGTQ+ people.”

It is important to note that this is not an isolated incident. In November, the Department of Health and Human Services under President Biden proposed a similar policy that required foster families to accept and validate a child's chosen gender identity.

Republican attorneys general raised concerns, stating that this policy violated the Constitution and discriminated against Christian foster families. It is deeply troubling that the Colorado Democrats are now attempting to enact a similar policy at the state level, disregarding the concerns and rights of foster families.

READ MORE:

• IN COLORADO, FOSTER CARE IS A BIG CONCERN FOR THE MORE THAN 200 YOUNG PEOPLE WHO AGE OUT OF THE SYSTEM EACH YEAR

• ANNUAL REPORT REVEALS SIGNIFICANT TOLL ON COLORADO KID’S MENTAL HEALTH DUE TO STRESS, SOCIAL MEDIA AND THE PANDEMIC

• PARENT SUES DENVER PUBLIC SCHOOLS FOR LACK OF INCLUSIVITY TOWARDS STRAIGHT STUDENTS

• COLORADO IS LOSING TRACK OF FOSTER KIDS WHO RUN AWAY, NEW REPORT SAYS

The foster care system relies on the involvement of individuals and organizations of faith, who provide care and support to vulnerable children. By imposing a rigid and ideologically driven policy, Colorado Democrats are not only undermining parental rights but also potentially alienating foster families who may hold different beliefs and values. This erosion of parental rights and the imposition of an extreme woke agenda is a dangerous path that disregards the importance of family and threatens the well-being of foster children.

As this bill progresses, it is crucial for Coloradans to remain vigilant and voice their concerns about the erosion of parental rights and the imposition of extreme ideology on the foster care system.