Colorado lawmakers will attempt to stomp out hate and discrimination during the next legislation. Democrats wanting to pass a law to prevent “fatphobia” in housing and employment.

In a move to promote so-called “fat acceptance”, a proposed new law would ban “fatphobia” and prohibit employers and landlords from discriminating against individuals based on their weight.

The legislation, expected to pass in 2024 with the Democrat majorities in both chambers, aims to prevent landlords from denying rentals based on weight limits and implement often expensive workplace accommodations for those who are overweight.

This comes on the heels of similar laws passing in major cities like New York, where obesity rates continue to rise. Other states, like Massachusetts, Vermont, and New Jersey, are also considering similar measures.

While some may argue that these laws are necessary to protect the rights of overweight individuals, other Coloradans question the need for such legislation.

After all, the state of Colorado already has the lowest obesity rate in the country at just 25%, according to data from Trust for America’s Health. In contrast, West Virginia, the unhealthiest state in the nation, has a whopping 71% obesity rate.

It’s clear that Colorado is doing something right when it comes to promoting a healthy lifestyle and limiting obesity. So why are lawmakers wasting time and resources on a law that seems unnecessary?

Perhaps the most concerning aspect of this proposed law is the underlying message it sends to individuals struggling with weight issues. Rather than promoting and encouraging people to take control of their own health and make positive changes, lawmakers are sending the message that it is society’s responsibility to accept and accommodate unhealthy behaviors.

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Kristal Hartman, an activist with the Obesity Action Coalition, argues that the law will foster greater acceptance for overweight Americans. But at what cost? Acceptance should not equate to encouraging dangerous and unhealthy lifestyles.

Thankfully, lawmakers still have time to reconsider this misguided and often expensive legislation. Measures like this only serve to enable unhealthy behaviors and perpetuate the obesity epidemic.