Initiative 109 November 3, 2026 · Sex & Gender • LGBTQ

Protect Women and Girls Sports Act

CCTE supports Colorado Initiative 109. The measure would preserve the integrity of girls' sports by defining sex biologically and requiring students on all K-12 and collegiate sports teams to participate on the team that accords with their sex.

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Vote Yes on Initiative 109

A Christian approach to Initiative 109 directly follows from the Biblical understanding that God created two distinct sexes: male and female—a fact clearly displayed by biological differences. The earliest Scriptural evidence of a binary distinction between sexes occurs in Genesis 1:27, which says that “God created man in his own image... male and female he created them.” Later, Jesus reiterated Genesis, stating that "he who created them from the beginning made them male and female" (Matt. 19:4). Such distinctions were not haphazard or accidental; instead, it was an act of intentional design by the Creator who declared it "very good" (Gen. 1:31).

And Scripture also gives some guidance on how men and women are to relate to one another. For example, Genesis 2:18 says that they are "fit" for one another, meaning they differ in ways that complement the other. While equal in dignity and value, they maintain differences. And the overall biblical witness undeniably argues that these sex differences affect how men and women live in society and that these differences cannot be interchanged. Christians don't believe this is meant to be oppressive. In distinguishing humanity as male and female, God marked this distinction as a gift meant to be embraced by his creation for the flourishing of the world.

Initiative 109 aligns well with a historic Christian interpretation of sex and gender. By defining a person's sex "by certain aspects of their biological reproductive system," the text of the initiative mirrors the Genesis distinction. And by requiring students to participate on the sports team that corresponds to their biological sex, the initiative honors both sexes while respecting differences. In athletics especially, biological differences translate into measurable performance advantages which threaten the fairness and safety of female athletics. If passed, this is the type of initiative that will result in flourishing for all students in Colorado.

Frequently Asked Questions

What would Initiative 109 change about current Colorado law?

Colorado currently has no sex-based team-eligibility restrictions in state law. Schools follow the policy of the Colorado High School Activities Association (CHSAA), whose Transgender Policy Statement (2019) states that a student may participate on a sports team "in accordance with their gender identity." This means biological boys may participate in girls' sports.

If Initiative 109 is adopted, Colorado state law would require students to participate on the team that accords with their biological sex.

How does the initiative define "sex"?

Initiative 109 defines a person's sex by aspects of the biological reproductive system. These are the specific definitions according to the final text of the initiative:

“Female” means a person whose biological reproductive system is organized around the production of the ova. Female includes a woman and a girl.
“Male” means a person whose biological reproductive system is organized around the production of sperm. Male includes a man and a boy.

Which teams and levels does it apply to?

This new law applies to all K-12 and collegiate sports teams. This includes both public and private schools at all levels.

Are there any exceptions to this initiative?

Biological males would never be allowed to participate on a sports team specifically designated for females.

Biological females may participate on a sports team specifically designated for males only when "there is no female team offered or available for such sport for such female student..."

What about students with intersex conditions or disorders of sexual development?

While disorders of sexual development are rare, this initiative states that an individual with this condition "must receive all legal protections and accommodations afforded under federal law."

How would the initiative be enforced, and what are the consequences of a violation?

Every school's governing body would be required to implement the provisions of this initiative. If the Colorado Commissioner of Education determines that a school district has "intentionally refused to comply," the Commissioner must notify the district and allow "a reasonable time to comply." If the district continues to refuse, the Commissioner shall take "appropriate remedial action within the commissioner's authority."

The initiative does not specify what "remedial action" must look like.

Does this address bathrooms, locker rooms, or other facilities—or only teams?

This initiative is limited specifically to teams.

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