Denver, CO -- One Colorado, the state’s leading advocacy organization for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) Coloradans and their families, released the following statement from Executive Director, Daniel Ramos, on the introduction of HB20-1114.

‍“This bill, like others introduced during this legislative session, does not put the health, safety, and wellbeing of our children first. Instead, it restricts a child’s ability to reach out for healthcare services and to live as their authentic selves. We need legislation that supports and protects our youth—this bill is a step in the wrong direction.”

‍- Daniel Ramos, One Colorado Executive Director

‍“Parental Rights,” as described in HB20-1114, include various aspects of a child’s upbringing, education, and healthcare. It allows parents to view all medical records and make health care decisions for children, age 17 and younger. This directly conflicts with legislation enacted in 2019, HB19-1120 “Youth Mental Health Education And Suicide Prevention.” The act allows a minor 12 years of age or older to receive mental health services without the consent of a parent, if the mental health professional determines the child is knowingly and voluntarily seeking the services and they are clinically necessary. At a time when teen suicide and depression is affecting Colorado youth at an alarming rate, this bill only makes the problem worse.The House prime sponsor for HB20-1114 is Rep. Rod Pelton (R-Cheyenne Wells) with Rep. Mark Baisley (R-Roxborough Park), Rep. Susan Beckman (R-Littleton),  Rep. Perry Buck (R-Windsor), Rep. Tim Geitner (R-Falcon), Stephen Humphrey (R-Severance), Rep. Colin Larson (R-Littleton), Rep. Larry Liston (R-Colorado Springs), Rep. Patrick Neville (R-Castle Rock), Rep. Kim Ransom (R-Douglas County), Rep. Janice Rich (R-Grand Junction), Rep. Lori Saine (R-Firestone), Rep. Shane Sandridge (R-El Paso County), Rep. Kevin Van Winkle (R-Highlands Ranch), Rep. Perry Will (R-New Castle) as co-sponsors.