Colorado's aggressive push on speech restrictions marks a troubling trend. The state has become a battleground for First Amendment rights, with lawmakers pursuing measures that courts have repeatedly struck down as unconstitutional. From attempting to remove Trump from the ballot to targeting business owners over religious beliefs, Colorado has lost major cases before the Supreme Court. Most recently, an 8-1 decision rejected the state's conversion therapy restrictions. Despite these defeats, Colorado continues doubling down with new legislation expanding legal liability for counselors and implementing public accommodation laws that critics argue infringe on free speech. Legal experts warn these measures will face further constitutional challenges, potentially costing taxpayers millions in litigation while failing to achieve their stated goals.
