DENVER (TND) — Colorado Rep. Lorena García on Sunday announced she would sponsor a bill in the Colorado General Assembly allowing convicted felons to change their name to match their gender identity.
The state’s existing laws on the matter stipulate felons must meet certain criteria to be allowed to change their name. One condition requires the individual show “good cause” for the name change.
Rep. García’s law would include name changes to match a changing gender identity as such a reason.
I am proud and honored to sponsor HB24-1071 making sure that a right that already exists is truly accessible to everyone,” Rep. García wrote via X. “Trans ppl with felonies should be able to access the right to change their name to match their gender. Before you go all hater, learn more about the process.”
The announcement, however, drew the ire of critics on social media who see the legislation as harmful.
“Your bill offers gives violent criminals and predators the ability to assume an identity that will endanger the public,” one wrote. “Thank you for making Colorado more unsafe.”
Rep. García fired back in reply, citing the way a person who changes their name for marriage can’t avoid past convictions.
You should learn more about legal name change,” Rep. García said. “Anyone who changes their name for marriage can’t escape their criminal records. Ppl who change their names for gender affirming reasons will still have their records attached to their new names.”
The response still didn’t quell outrage from social media users both locally and nationally.
“Top priorities for @coloradodems this legislative session,” Libertarian Party of Colorado wrote. “More Gun Control – Schools getting in between the child and parent regarding gender identity – and this absolutely crucial piece of legislation.”
Sounding off in The Gazette, former Arapahoe County District Attorney George Brauchler lambasted the law.
“Many thought it would be impossible for the Democrats to top legislation that mandates a school refer to a child by any name they choose at any time and for any reason,” Brauchler said. “Democrat Rep. Lorena Garcia just said ‘hold my Bud Lite.’”
The bill has been assigned to the Colorado House Judiciary Committee for review.
Follow Jackson Walker on X at @_jlwalker_ for the latest trending national news. Have a news tip? Send it to jacwalker@sbgtv.com.
