Colorado Democratic Gov.-elect Phil Weiser stated Wednesday that he is open to making adjustments to Proposition 134, a ballot measure that, if passed, would prohibit biological males from competing on girls' and women's school sports teams. The measure was leading in unofficial election returns.
"We’re going to have to take a look at these anti-trans measures, and what adjustments are necessary and appropriate," Weiser said at a news conference. He added, "I don't believe it would be acceptable to Colorado to have every student athlete have to go through full body examinations."
Proposition 134 does not specify a method for verifying an athlete’s biological sex, leaving verification procedures to individual schools and districts, according to Colorado's official voter guide.
The proposed statute would require school athletic teams, from elementary through college levels, to be designated as male, female, or coeducational. Male students would be barred from female teams, though female students could join male teams if no equivalent female team exists. Coeducational teams would be accessible to all students.
As of Thursday morning, Proposition 134 held 52.66% support compared to 47.34% opposition, according to unofficial results reported by Ballotpedia. The measure was listed as too close to call.
Weiser’s comments suggest the possibility of legislative revisions if the measure is certified. He characterized reviewing and adjusting statutory ballot measures as a legitimate legislative function. The measure was filed as a proposed state statute, not a constitutional amendment.
Protect Kids Colorado, the group that spearheaded the campaign for Proposition 134, has argued that sex-based eligibility rules are essential for safeguarding the safety and competitive opportunities of female athletes.
The state voter guide also notes an unresolved question regarding Proposition 134's compatibility with Colorado's existing anti-discrimination law, which protects gender identity. The analysis indicates the measure's impact on current state law is unclear.
Weiser's remarks followed his victory over Republican Victor Marx in the gubernatorial race. Democrats also secured supermajorities in both chambers of the state legislature, positioning the party to significantly influence any legislation related to the measure. His comments addressed both Proposition 134 and Proposition 135, a separate proposal concerning surgeries to alter minors' biological sex characteristics, both of which were leading in early counts.