League of Women Voters: Be Informed

The League of Women Voters, a non-partisan political organization, has provided this valuable information regarding ballot initiatives that are in the petition stage in Colorado right now.

Initiative #108 (2025-2026)Penalties for Human Trafficking of a Minor

Ballot Measure Summary: Initiative #108 reclassifies human trafficking of a minor for sexual servitude a class 1 felony and mandates a sentence of life in prison without parole or release for those convicted. The Initiative also makes anyone knowingly trading anything of monetary value to buy or sell sexual activity with a minor guilty of human trafficking of a minor for sexual servitude.

Stance: OPPOSE

Rationale for Stance: The League steadfastly opposes human trafficking and believes human traffickers should be severely punished. However, the definition of human trafficking of a minor for sexual servitude is broad and can include human trafficking victims. The further broadening of the crime by this initiative to include persons knowingly trading anything of monetary value to buy or sell sexual activity with a minor makes the prosecution of human trafficking victims more likely. Additionally, the initiative mandates prison sentences of life without parole or release for all those convicted of this crime, without consideration of the circumstances of the crime and individuals’ situations and roles. The League believes judges should have discretion in sentencing guilty persons and should take into account the circumstances of the crime and the defendant’s situation and role.

Initiative #109 (2025-26)Male & Female Participation in School Sports

Ballot Measure Summary: This proposed ballot measure would ban transgender students from playing on school sports teams that differ from the gender they were assigned at birth. It would also require all schools to label teams as male, female, or co-ed, replacing Colorado’s current inclusive CHSAA policy.

Stance: OPPOSE

Rationale for Stance: 

• It puts politicians in charge of decisions that should be made by families, counselors and local communities.
• It creates unintended consequences for every student by allowing anyone to question whether a young person “looks” like they belong on a team, which could result in harassment and harm.
• It distracts from real priorities like keeping kids healthy and safe while taking away families’ freedom to decide what is best for their children.
• It conflicts with Colorado law that already protects students’ right to participate safely and fairly. Colorado already has clear, inclusive policies for school sports. This measure is unnecessary and discriminatory.

Initiative #110 (2025-26)Prohibit Certain Surgeries on Minors

Ballot Measure Summary: The measure prohibits a health care professional from performing surgery on reproductive anatomy of anyone under 18 years old in response to their perception of sex or gender unless they have a medically verifiable disorder of sex development. The measure prohibits the state government and insurance carriers from paying for these surgeries. The measure applies broadly to treatment by doctors, nurses, mental health professionals, and others in the healing arts.

Stance: OPPOSE

Rationale for Stance:

• It puts politicians between families and doctors, taking away the freedom to make private medical decisions about what is best for their child.
• Its defined terms are vague and lead to unintended consequences for young people. For example, this measure could keep minors from receiving life-saving treatment for cervical or testicular cancers.
• It distracts from real priorities like keeping kids healthy and safe while undermining Colorado’s law that already protects access to necessary medical care.
• It undermines medical best practices that are supported by every major medical association and proven to improve health outcomes and reduce suicide risk.

10 Ways to Be an Activist (Even If You Can’t March)

1. Honk for Protesters — That honk, wave, or thumbs-up means more than you know. It tells protesters they’re not alone and keeps morale strong.
2. Shop Your Values — Support businesses that champion equality, sustainability, and human rights.
3. Contact Your Reps — Your voice matters. Call, write, or email to demand they defend democracy and human rights.
4. Money Talks — Donate, even a little, to grassroots organizations fighting for justice.
5. Spread the Truth — Share accurate information, not fear or propaganda.
6. Support Independent News — Follow and uplift journalists who speak truth to power.
7. Vote — Every election matters. Local ones especially.
8. Lift Others Up — Encourage friends and family to get involved, stay informed, and stay hopeful.
9. Show Visible Support — Wear your values. Display signs, pins, or flags that remind others they’re not alone.
10. Practice Self-Care & Community Care — Rest, recharge, and care for each other. The fight is long, but we’re in it together.Every act of love and resistance adds up. Every one of us matters.

Source: realmamabears.org

One Colorado is the state’s leading advocacy organization dedicated to advancing equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) Coloradans and their families. Working together for a fair and just Colorado.

• Volunteer at events and Pride festivals statewide
• Testify on bills—we’ll support you every step
• Share Your Story to influence policy and change minds
• Join the Freedom for All Coloradans Coalition for action alerts and updates
• Apply for the Changemaker Cohort to build power in your community