Colorado’s ‘multiple personality disorder’: Critics say lawmakers send mixed signals on parental rights

By Colleen Enos | Commentary, Christian Home Educators of Colorado

Have you ever met someone who constantly took conflicting stances on issues? They can’t decide who or what they stand for? It’s like they have Multiple Personality Disorder. Well, I have met them and they are our leaders. The Colorado Assembly is having an identity crisis. They can’t decide who they are or what they stand for. On multiple issues during the 2026 legislative session, they contradict themselves. 

Take for example the conflicting messages of passing SB26-018, Legal Protections for the Dignity of Minors, through the State Senate but killing HB26-1087, Safeguard Minors from Sex-Altering Interventions, in the House Health and Human Services Committee.

The first bill was stripped of its problematic parental litmus test, which required that affirming gender identity and gender expression be used by courts in determining custody and time allocation. This section was removed completely from the bill. However, the second bill, which would prohibit sex surgery and puberty blockers for minors and notify parents of a child’s desire to transition to another sex, was killed in its respective committee. This was a bill that safeguarded children and respected parents.

So, is Colorado protecting parents and children or hurting them?

Again, the Senate Business, Labor, and Technology Committee passed SB26-051, Age Attestation on Computing Devices, out of its committee unanimously, presumably to protect minors and their data. But SB26-055, Registry in Colorado Department of Education for School, which would compile a list of school employees, including teachers and administrators, who have a record of misconduct and criminal behavior, was killed in the Senate State, Veterans, and Military Affairs Committee on a party-line vote.

A list like this would prevent other schools from hiring teachers like Patricio Illanes, who had a prior sex crime investigation in St. Vrain Valley School District and was hired and teaching English in the Jefferson County School District at Arvada High School when he was discovered. Are Colorado kids being guarded or exploited? 

It isn’t shocking then, to note that homeschooling is the fastest growing form of education in the United States today. Parents know that they can do better themselves and with the growing array of curriculum and resources, they are better equipped than ever to do so. And they know that their children are safer at home with them.

In between passing more gun laws on top of the 12 passed last year and killing commonsense reforms or maybe even solving the budget problems caused by Colorado’s own bad decisions, the majority party could focus on making Colorado a place where freedom is celebrated. Then, they could solve their identity crisis and conflicting priorities by championing Colorado families. In the end, we would all benefit.

What you can do

• Call and email your state representative and state senator: Ask them to stand up for Colorado families.
• Register to attend the Homeschool Day at the Capitol on April 9, 2026, and support Homeschool Freedom!!

Read more commentary by Colleen Enos at chec.org.

Colleen is a homeschooling mom of eight who began her homeschool journey in 1994 and graduated her last two children in 2024, spanning 30 years. Her children range in age from 20 to 36 years old. She has been married to her husband, Mark, for 39 years, and they are now grandparents to five grandbabies. She has been a speech and debate coach for 17 years, pouring her time, effort, and energy into preparing the next generation to speak truth into our culture. Colleen serves homeschool families as the CHEC Director of Government Relations and is working hard to safeguard homeschool freedom through her work with the legislature. You can reach Colleen at Colleen@CHEC.org.

Editor’s note: Opinions expressed in commentary pieces are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the management of the Rocky Mountain Voice, but even so we support the constitutional right of the author to express those opinions.