When a small Christian bookstore stands up against Colorado’s sweeping gender pronoun law, it raises a constitutional brouhaha that could reshape the nation’s legal landscape.
At a Glance
- Born Again Used Books, a Colorado bookstore, is suing over a law mandating preferred pronoun use.
- The law, known as the Kelly Loving Act, was enacted in May 2025 to protect transgender rights.
- The bookstore argues this law violates their First Amendment rights.
- This case could set a precedent affecting religious liberty and LGBTQ+ protections nationwide.
The Conflict Over Pronouns
Born Again Used Books, owned by Eric and Sara Smith, finds itself at the heart of a heated legal battle. This family-owned business in Colorado Springs challenges a recent amendment to the Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act, which mandates businesses to use customers’ preferred pronouns. The new law, part of the Kelly Loving Act signed by Governor Jared Polis in May 2025, has expanded the definition of gender expression to include pronouns and titles.
The Smiths, adhering to their religious belief that sex is immutable, argue that the law forces them to act against their conscience. They have enlisted the help of the Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF), a legal organization renowned for defending First Amendment rights. Together, they have filed a lawsuit in federal court, challenging the law on grounds of free speech and religious liberty.
Legal Precedents and Implications
This lawsuit is reminiscent of the Masterpiece Cakeshop case, another high-profile legal battle in Colorado over the balance between religious freedom and anti-discrimination laws. That case, which involved a baker refusing to make a wedding cake for a same-sex couple, left many questions unresolved even after reaching the Supreme Court. Now, Born Again Used Books’ lawsuit could further clarify or complicate the legal landscape regarding religious and speech rights.
The case has already captured national attention. Should the bookstore prevail, it could bolster religious business owners’ rights to operate according to their beliefs without fear of legal reprisal. On the flip side, losing could solidify the state’s power to enforce anti-discrimination protections, potentially at the expense of individual religious convictions.
Stakeholders and Reactions
The lawsuit pits Born Again Used Books and the ADF against Colorado’s government entities, including the Colorado Civil Rights Division and Attorney General Phil Weiser. While the Attorney General’s office has refrained from commenting on the ongoing litigation, the ADF and the bookstore have vocally criticized the law as an ideological imposition that undermines their religious beliefs.
Transgender and LGBTQ+ advocacy groups are closely watching the case, as it impacts the protections that have been hard-fought. The law aims to safeguard the dignity and identity of transgender individuals from misgendering, yet the current challenge questions whether these protections infringe upon others’ constitutional rights.
The Road Ahead
The federal court has yet to issue an injunction or ruling as of July 19, 2025. The bookstore seeks both a preliminary and permanent injunction to halt the enforcement of the law’s provisions on pronouns and gender expression. The decision could have far-reaching implications, potentially influencing similar legal battles across the United States.
As the case unfolds, the implications for businesses, religious institutions, and the broader debate over LGBTQ+ rights and religious freedom remain substantial. Whether this legal challenge results in a landmark ruling or fades quietly will depend on the arguments presented and the court’s interpretation of the Constitution.
