Late last night, progressives in the Minnesota Senate passed three historic pieces of legislation supporting Trans, LGBTQ+, and abortion rights. 

In a massive win for LGBTQ+ people, the Minnesota Senate shepherded a bill through conservative opposition that bans conversion therapy for LGBTQ+ youth and vulnerable adults. 

Physicians widely discredit conversion therapy, and studies show these types of anti-LGBTQ treatments cause more harm than good for young Minnesotans and vulnerable people. 

In fact, twenty states, along with the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, have outlawed conversion therapy. Governor Walz even issued an executive order in 2021 deeming the treatment dangerous and directing state agencies to prevent the practice.

The House of Representatives passed the bill a month ago authored by Minnesota’s first openly transgender legislator, Leigh Finke. Once signed by Governor Walz, the bill will protect transgender people, their families, and medical practitioners from legal repercussions for traveling to Minnesota to receive gender-affirming care.

In addition to passing the conversion therapy ban, progressives in the House and Senate passed a bill that would make Minnesota a Trans Refuge State.

This crucial legislation will protect transgender people, their families, and medical practitioners from legal repercussions for traveling to Minnesota to receive gender-affirming care.

In light of the devastating attacks on trans rights by conservatives across the country, making Minnesota a safe place for trans people and their families to seek the care they need is essential. 

And it doesn’t stop there; in addition to these victorious bills for LGBTQ+ Minnesotans, the Senate also passed the Reproductive Freedom Defense Act (RFDA).

The bill will protect patients coming to Minnesota from a state that banned abortions and doctors who practice in Minnesota or outside of Minnesota.

The bottom line: progressives are working tirelessly to make Minnesota a safe, accessible place for all people to seek the care they need without the threat of repercussion.

Thank you, Minnesota! 

Now that all three bills have passed the House and Senate, they’ll head to Governor Walz’s desk to be signed into law. 

We can’t wait to see how Governor Walz and the progressive leadership at the Capitol will continue to work together to invest in our communities and build a better Minnesota.

Sign up to stay in the know about opportunities to get involved and stay up-to-date on Minnesota politics.