Laydon, Hudson reprimanded by Colorado GOP

strong words of advocacy for those Montana residents who are struggling to get the care, understanding, and respect they so desperately need,” the letter says.

a statement that he believes in a Colorado “where we all are free to speak and live freely.”

BY ELLIS ARNOLD EARNOLD@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

A political rift two states away has spilled into Colorado and Douglas County politics, with Colorado GOP leaders formally rebuking elected Republican officials for standing with Democrats in their opposition to the Montana state House barring a transgender lawmaker from the chamber.

First-term Democratic state Rep. Zooey Zephyr had been prevented from speaking on the chamber floor by the Montana House speaker since April 20, when she refused to apologize for telling colleagues who supported a ban on gender-affirming care for youths that they would have “blood” on their hands, the Associated Press reported.

In response, state Rep. Brianna Titone, an Arvada Democrat, led over 75 elected officials in Colorado in sending a letter to Montana legislators asking for Zephyr to be allowed back into the chamber, according to a news release.

“She was right to speak with

The letter, signed by two local Republicans, Douglas County Commissioner Abe Laydon and Castle Pines City Councilmember Roger Hudson, prompted Colorado Republican Party leaders to pass a resolution that “reprimanded” Hudson, Laydon and Republican state Reps. Ron Weinberg and Rick Taggart, who also signed the letter.

“It’s the responsibility of any organization to hold its members accountable for harmful decisions they make,” the Colorado GOP said in a June 21 email announcement.

Douglas o cials respond

For Hudson, the Castle Pines city councilmember, limits on debate on potential state laws influenced his decision to sign Titone’s letter, he told Colorado Community Media.

“The majority silencing the minority through procedural tactics isn’t right,” Hudson said. “Isn’t right in Colorado and it isn’t OK in Montana.”

Hudson, who also serves as deputy chief of staff for the Colorado House Republicans, said in