Christian Camp in Colorado Sues State Over New Licensing Rules
A long-standing Christian summer camp in Colorado is taking legal action against the state, arguing that new licensing requirements infringe on their religious beliefs regarding gender and sexuality. Camp Idrahaje, named after the hymn “I Have Jesus,” serves children aged 6 to 17 and has welcomed thousands of campers annually since its establishment in 1948.
On May 12, Camp Idrahaje filed a complaint in federal court challenging recently mandated state licensing rules that require children’s camps to provide facilities aligned with campers’ gender identities, including bathing, dressing, and sleeping arrangements.
Initially, the camp sought a religious exemption, but this request was denied by the state, according to the Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF), which is representing Camp Idrahaje in the lawsuit.
The ADF claims these new regulations could jeopardize the safety and privacy of children and raise concerns regarding the Free Exercise and Equal Protection clauses of the U.S. Constitution. Ryan Tucker, a senior advisor at ADF, emphasized that “every child deserves privacy,” and noted that no one should feel compelled to share spaces like showers or rooms with members of the opposite sex.
Tucker elaborated that the new regulations effectively force Christian camps to abandon their faith and missions in order to continue operating in Colorado. He suggested that the government is inappropriately imposing a specific ideology on all residents, specifically regarding gender.
According to the camp’s complaint, many families choose Idrahaje for its Christian values and must adhere to its gender-specific policies upon registration. Under the state’s new guidelines, camps will need to choose between upholding their religious beliefs and retaining their licenses.
As of June, camps will have to demonstrate compliance with the updated regulations, and state inspectors will visit to assess adherence. Despite the risk of fines and potential loss of operating licenses, Camp Idrahaje plans to operate under its existing policies.
The ADF has highlighted that other children’s camps are similarly concerned about these licensing requirements. Legal advocates are calling for the courts to deem these regulations unconstitutional, emphasizing that the government should not dictate the beliefs of religious summer camps.
In the past few years, Colorado has seen multiple high-profile cases of religious freedom challenged in the courts, including a significant ruling in 2018 favoring baker Jack Phillips, who faced penalties for refusing to create wedding cakes for same-sex couples. Another landmark case in 2023 ruled that Colorado’s anti-discrimination law couldn’t compel graphic designers to produce wedding websites for same-sex marriages.
The state’s Department of Early Childhood has not made any comments regarding the ongoing lawsuit.
