Representatives Duane Quam (GOP-Byron) and Cindy Pugh (GOP-Chanhassen) recently introduced a “Right to Discriminate” bill under the guise of religious freedom. Their bill would allow any person or business in Minnesota to refuse service to same sex couples. This type of legislation has come up in a few other states, most notably Indiana, causing major debate over the difference between religious freedom and blatant discrimination.

Thanks to Governor Dayton and the DFL controlled Senate, Minnesotans can be certain this discrimination bill won’t become law. One more thing is certain – these Republican attacks on the progress we’ve made toward inclusion and tolerance take us backwards, drive us further apart, and have no place in Minnesota.