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Colorado voters will decide today on Proposition 134, a ballot measure that would ban transgender students from joining school sports teams that match their gender identity. If the measure passes, it would apply to public and private K-12 schools and colleges in Colorado starting January 1. However, it would not affect youth sports teams offered through private clubs or leagues.

Advocates for the measure include Protect Kids Colorado, along with two other measures: Proposition 133, which seeks to increase penalties for sex trafficking, and Proposition 135, which prohibits gender-affirming surgery for minors. Currently, Colorado schools have diverse policies regarding transgender student participation in sports.

Some allow it or make decisions on a case-by-case basis, while others, including some conservative-leaning districts and charter schools, prohibit it. If passed, Proposition 134 would establish a statewide ban on this practice, requiring schools to create new policies implementing the measure's requirements. Designated teams would have to be identified as male, female, or co-ed; biological male students would not be allowed to join female teams, and biological female students would not be permitted to join male teams, unless no female team exists in a particular sport.

While the ballot measure does not detail how student athletes would prove their gender, supporters have proposed methods such as a doctor's note or cheek swab DNA testing. Opponents argue that Proposition 134 targets a small and vulnerable population, subjects students to invasive gender checks, and represents government overreach.

Proponents contend that it would protect girls' safety and opportunities. The Colorado Department of Education would enforce the measure in public K-12 schools, but there is no enforcement mechanism for colleges, universities, or private K-12 schools.