Christian Camp Resists as Gender Law Endangers Its Mission

Camp Idrahaje Sues Colorado Over Gender Policy

Camp Idrahaje, a Christian summer camp located in Colorado and operating since 1948, is taking legal action against the state over a gender policy that it argues threatens its existence. The camp, which became licensed in Colorado in 1995, has expressed concerns about new regulations from the Colorado Bureau of Early Childhood, stating that these rules require campers to have access to toilets and facilities that align with their gender identity. This stance directly conflicts with the camp’s Christian beliefs.

On May 12, the Alliance Defending Freedom, a group of conservative legal advocates, filed a lawsuit in U.S. District Court on behalf of Camp Idrahaje. They noted that the camp’s worries regarding the regulations were acknowledged after they were instituted. A report indicated that the lawsuit urges the court to uphold the camp’s right to adhere to its religious principles concerning biological sex.

The camp challenges a recent update in Colorado’s Childhood Policy, which mandates that licensed resident camps must allow campers of the opposite sex to use private facilities. The Alliance Defending Freedom attempted to seek a religious exemption but was reportedly unsuccessful.

Additions to the regulations put forth the risk of the camp losing its license unless it either concedes its beliefs or alters its mission aimed at serving children. Legal counsel Andrea Dill from ADF stated that the government does not have the authority to threaten or penalize Christian camps regarding their religious beliefs on sexuality.

“Camp Idrahaje is here to share the gospel with children, fostering their character growth and life memories,” Dill commented. “However, the Colorado government seems to be pursuing a troubling agenda that conflicts with globally recognized values.”

The camp has been operating for over 75 years, welcoming all campers without fear of repercussions for its beliefs. A statement from Lisa Roy, executive director of Colorado’s Department of Early Childhood, mentioned that while they cannot comment on ongoing litigation, the agency is committed to collaborating with faith-based groups within legal limits. The department aims to ensure maximum participation from such organizations.