The group Gays Against Groomers, which is supported by the far right, is suing five Democratic politicians in Colorado for preventing them from using old names and incorrect gender pronouns when referring to transgender people during public statements.
Gays Against Groomers and Rocky Mountain Women’s Network are being represented in the suit by the Institute for Free Speech. They claim that recent efforts to limit speech during hearings for Tiara’s Law are a threat to First Amendment rights.
Tiara’s Law, named after a trans woman with a criminal record related to sex work, aims to make it easier for convicted felons to change their names on official documents.
The lawsuit names five Democratic members of the Colorado legislature, accusing them of unlawfully restricting speech about trans issues, particularly related to Tiara’s Law.
The lawmakers are accused of dictating how critics of transgenderism can express their views during public testimony, including prohibiting the use of old names and incorrect gender pronouns, under the pretext of 'civility' or 'decorum.'
Sen. Gonzalez cautioned committee members and witnesses to avoid using offensive language or incorrect gender pronouns during a hearing on HB23-1071.
Rep. Garcia also urged speakers to have 'respectful discourse' and refrain from using offensive language or incorrect gender pronouns when addressing witnesses.
Committee Chair Weissman formalized these remarks as rules for the hearing.
During the hearing, two of the plaintiffs, Rich Guggenheim and Christina Goeke, continued to use the old name and incorrect gender pronouns for Kelley, despite being instructed not to by the committee chair.
When asked to avoid discussing specific individuals, Goeke referenced the fact that the bill was named after the person in question.
After repeated warnings, both Goeke and Guggenheim's testimony was cut short. However, Tiara’s Law was still passed by the Senate and is waiting for the governor's approval.
According to the complaint, the defendants' restrictive customs and practices are affecting the plaintiffs' freedom of speech and their ability to express opinions opposing transgender ideology and sex nullification.
The lawsuit argues that the defendants, including Colorado legislators and proponents of transgender ideology, are using their power to influence the public debate on transgenderism by requiring speakers to adhere to a specific 'pronoun ritual.'
Jaimee Michell, a political operative, established Gays Against Groomers in 2022. The Southern Poverty Law Center labels the group as one of the main spreaders of anti-trans rhetoric. It opposes transgender-inclusive social policies, LGBTQ+ content in schools, and all-ages drag performances, claiming to be against the sexualization and indoctrination of children.
In February, Media Matters released a report titled “Grifter Gays” exposing the falsehood that Gays Against Groomers is a grassroots organization. It identified founder Michell and co-chair David Leatherwood as long-time conspiracy-peddling pro-Trump operatives with close connections to Trump-whisperer Roger Stone and “Stop the Steal” founder Ali Alexander, who also identifies as battling same-sex attraction. Gays Against Groomers defends misgendering as “free speech.”
