Colorado lawmakers face lawsuit sparked by transgender bills | News [Video]

A group has filed a federal lawsuit against Colorado lawmakers, alleging they suppressed — during public hearings — the free speech of those opposed to a bill that would provide a specific avenue for transgender individuals convicted of felonies to legally change their name.

Critics of the measure argued that the bill would put the rights of criminals to self identify above the rights of victims and the public to be able to track or be aware of someone’s criminal record. They also earlier said the bill should not be named after a felon, even as they raised public safety concerns.

Supporters countered that changing the name would not affect a felon’s criminal record, maintaining that will continue to follow the person, as a Social Security number does not change nor do fingerprints. They also accused critics of fear-mongering. 

People often use provided names to search for individuals’ records, as …