Colorado Democratic Gov.-elect Phil Weiser opened the discussion Wednesday about possible adjustments to Proposition 134, the ballot measure that would bar biological males from participating on girls’ and women’s school sports teams. Weiser told reporters that any changes must protect student privacy and avoid “full body examinations” for athletes.
What Proposition 134 Proposes
The measure, which appears on the November ballot, would require every school athletic program—from elementary schools through colleges—to be classified as male, female, or co‑educational. Under the proposal, male students could not join female teams, while female students could join male teams only if an equivalent female team were unavailable. Co‑educational teams would remain open to all students.
Colorado’s official voter guide notes that the measure does not dictate a specific method for verifying an athlete’s biological sex; instead, each school or district would set its own verification procedures.
Current Ballot Standing
According to unofficial results compiled by Ballotpedia and updated Thursday morning, Proposition 134 leads with 52.66% support and 47.34% opposition. Ballotpedia listed the race as too close to call, reflecting the tight margin.
Gov.-elect Weiser’s Concerns
Weiser, who defeated Republican Victor Marx in the governor’s race, said the state must “take a look at these anti‑trans measures, and what adjustments are necessary and appropriate.” He emphasized that requiring invasive examinations would be unacceptable in Colorado.
He also referenced Proposition 135, a separate initiative that would restrict surgeries intended to alter minors’ biological sex characteristics. Both measures were leading in the count when Weiser made his remarks.
Legislative Role and Potential Revisions
Weiser described the review and possible adjustment of statutory ballot measures as a legitimate legislative function, echoing remarks reported by The Denver Post and reproduced by Rocky Mountain Voice. If Proposition 134 passes, the legislature could craft statutes that clarify verification methods while preserving privacy.
Supporters and Opposition
Protect Kids Colorado, the lead organization behind Proposition 134, argues that sex‑based eligibility rules are essential to safeguard female athletes’ safety and competitive opportunities. “This initiative is about fairness, safety, and keeping female athletics female,” said Lori Gimelshteyn, a board director for the group, in an interview with Colorado Public Radio.
Critics note that the measure may conflict with Colorado’s existing anti‑discrimination law, which protects gender identity. The state voter guide flags the interaction as unclear, leaving open the possibility of legal challenges.
Political Landscape
Weiser’s comments come as Democrats secured supermajorities in both chambers of the Colorado legislature, giving the party substantial influence over any future legislation addressing the measure. The governor‑elect’s stance suggests a willingness to balance the ballot’s intent with constitutional privacy concerns.
Colorado voters will decide the fate of Proposition 134 and Proposition 135 in the upcoming election, a decision that could shape the state’s approach to school sports and gender‑related medical procedures for years to come.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
