Colorado House Democrats are sending a message that no legislation to restrict “drag shows” performed in front of children should be passed. Even if it is legislation against “indecent exposure” and performing sexual acts with children.

BREAKING: 27 Democrats in the Colorado House of Representatives just voted against making indecent exposure to minors a Class 6 felony.

One Democrat said the bill “targets” drag shows and the transgender community.
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— Greg Price (@greg_price11) April 29, 2023

“27 Democrats in the Colorado House of Representatives just voted against making indecent exposure to minors a Class 6 felony,” Greg Price reported, citing Colorado House Republicans. “One Democrat said the bill ‘targets’ drag shows and the transgender community.”

“These kinds of laws have been used to ban drag shows to target people who use the bathroom for the sex they identify with a public bathroom to charge them with serious crimes,” argued one Democratic lawmaker. “I am very concerned about the attacks against the transgender community that are happening across the country.”

“When I initially read this bill, it didn’t even cross my mind as an advocate, but when I looked at the bills and when I talked to my colleagues who are fighting these types of bills across the country . . , it is very clear to me that the language is very much mirrored in some of the laws that have been used to target members of our community because of who they are,” he continued.

The Colorado General Assembly is attempting to pass HB23-1135, which is titled “Relating to the felony classification of indecent exposure of a minor and, in connection therewith, making an appropriation.”

“Under current law, indecent exposure is a Class 1 misdemeanor; except that it is a Class 6 felony for a third or subsequent offense,” says the summary of the legislation. “The bill makes that indecent exposure is a Class 6 felony if committed in the presence of a person under 18 years of age.”

The text of the bill defines the terms “indecent exposure.”

“Indecent Exposure: Definitions. (4) Indecent exposure is a class 6 felony if the violation is committed: (a) After two prior convictions of a violation of this section or of a violation of a comparable offense in any other state or in the United States, or of a violation of a comparable municipal ordinance; or (b) where the person who commits indecent exposure knew that there was a child because of the act and the person is over eighteen years of age or more than four years older than the child.”

The bill adds that, “as used in its section, unless the context otherwise requires: (A) “child” means a person under fifteen years of age. (b) “Masturbation” means touching, rubbing or otherwise stimulate, real or simulated, a person’s genitalia or pubic area for the purpose of the person’s sexual gratification or arousal, regardless of whether the genitalia or pubic area is exposed or covered .”

“*” Indicates mandatory fields

OPINION: This article contains comments that reflect the opinion of the author.

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