Minnesota Moves to Cement Abortion and LGBTQ Rights in Constitution

Minnesota Moves to Cement Abortion and LGBTQ Rights in Constitution

Democrats Introduce Landmark Legislation in Minnesota

In St. Paul, Minnesota, Democratic legislators have recently put forward a significant proposal that aims to enshrine both abortion and LGBTQ rights within the state’s constitution. This initiative, dubbed the Minnesota Equal Rights Amendment, was introduced with the intention of providing robust, long-term protection for these rights, making it challenging for future legislative bodies to alter or repeal them.

Legislative Progress and Potential Impact

The amendment was presented last week and has swiftly moved to its first legislative hearing this Monday. If passed by the current legislature and subsequently approved by voters in the 2026 election, it would position Minnesota as a leader in the U.S. for its extensive protections of abortion and LGBTQ rights. According to Betty Folliard of ERA Minnesota, an advocacy group that has championed this cause since 2014, the measure addresses broader issues beyond reproductive rights, including wage disparities and persistent discriminatory stereotypes.

Existing Protections and New Proposals

Minnesota’s framework of anti-discrimination is already established through its Human Rights Act, which impacts various entities such as businesses, schools, and other institutions. However, the proposed constitutional amendment would specifically safeguard certain laws at the state government level. This includes recent legislation that has turned Minnesota into a sanctuary for individuals from other states seeking abortion services and gender-affirming care, protecting these laws from future political shifts. The stance of Republican leaders on this proposal remains unclear.

Controversy and Opposition

The amendment has not been without its critics. Various groups, including anti-abortion factions, religious organizations, and conservative political figures, argue that the amendment is excessively broad and could be a source of division. The precise language of the amendment prohibits discrimination by the state based on race, color, national origin, ancestry, disability, or sex, which encompasses gender identity, gender expression, and sexual orientation. It also ensures the right to make decisions concerning one’s pregnancy and reproductive health.