Colorado Republican State Representative Richard Holtorf has come under fire for his recent remarks about the protection of individuals with disabilities. Holtorf spoke out against HB23-1032, a bill designed to clarify the remedies for individuals with disabilities under Colorado's anti-discrimination laws.
Instead of expressing his disagreement with the bill's contents, Holtorf used a bizarre comparison, stating that Colorado doesn't need additional protections because of Spain's lack of liability protection for those injured during the "Running of the Bulls" festival in Pamplona.
During his statement, Holtorf suggested that those who are "dumb enough" to get hurt "in the ring" should "own it," seemingly advocating for the idea that those with disabilities should not be protected from discrimination in public spaces.
You can hear what Holtorf said in the video below.
\u201cNEW: State Rep. Richard Holtorf (R-Akron) argued against civil liability for disability discrimination by likening people with disabilities to those hurt during Pamplona's running of the bulls. "If you're dumb enough to get on this road and run... you own it" Holtorf said. #coleg\u201d— Kyle Clark (@Kyle Clark) 1681233175
Holtorf said:
"If you're dumb enough to get on this road and run the eight blocks, ten blocks and run in the ring and you get hurt, you own it. And that's Spanish law."
"There's no liability, there's no lawsuits, you don't get to do any of that. Because you're responsible for the risks that you take in this running of the bulls."
Holtorf's remarks were met with criticism, including from the author of the bill he was criticizing, State Democratic Representative David Ortiz.
Ortiz, who became paralyzed while serving as a helicopter pilot in the Army, called Holtorf's remarks "ableism and ignorance" and stated that they were against the "basic human rights" of individuals with disabilities.
\u201cThe absolute #ableism and ignorance on display here against community living with a disability \u267f\ufe0f AND ANY MOVEMENT we try and make toward securing our basic human rights and #basicaccess is astounding. #COLeg #COPolitics\u201d— David Ortiz (@David Ortiz) 1681234555
Others were also quick to criticize Holtorf for his ableist remarks.
\u201c@KyleClark Has he never heard of countless disabilities that are genetic? Or arise from an accident someone else caused? Or from a disease process?\u201d— Kyle Clark (@Kyle Clark) 1681233175
\u201c@KyleClark I didnt realize going to get groceries or medication was the same as voluntarily participating in a known dangerous activity.\u201d— Kyle Clark (@Kyle Clark) 1681233175
\u201c@KyleClark I got my disability while caring for my child (he did something that gave me a severe concussion and Post Concussive Syndrome). So, I SHOULD stay home and take care of a child, but I accept the risks of disability while doing so, as if I were running with the bulls??? REALLY???\u201d— Kyle Clark (@Kyle Clark) 1681233175
\u201c@KyleClark WUH? As an attorney representing disabled people for almost 37 years now, I can attest that none of my clients chose to "get on this road and run."\u201d— Kyle Clark (@Kyle Clark) 1681233175
\u201c@KyleClark The cruelty is the point.\nHe and others like him and their supporters find community by rejoicing in the suffering of those they hate and fear. \nAnd they continue to vote for these people not because of what they do FOR them, but what they do AGAINST those they hate.\nShameful!\u201d— Kyle Clark (@Kyle Clark) 1681233175
\u201c@KyleClark The @cologop always giving us the bottom of the barrel for representatives.\u201d— Kyle Clark (@Kyle Clark) 1681233175
\u201c@KyleClark Yep. Sounds about Republican.\u201d— Kyle Clark (@Kyle Clark) 1681233175
As of now, it is unclear if Holtorf will face any consequences for his comments. However, his remarks have sparked outrage among disability rights activists, who argue that his comments are a prime example of the ableism that is still prevalent in society.
These activists assert that individuals with disabilities have a right to protections against discrimination, and that Holtorf's comments are a dangerous attempt to undermine those rights.