A bill that would make Minnesota something of a sanctuary state for transgender youth passed the House early Friday morning, bucking a trend in states to restrict transgender rights.
Democrats have a trifecta in Minnesota, controlling the House, Senate and governor’s mansion, making full passage possible.
“To all those families across the United States who are scared and wondering where to get help, Minnesota says we see you, we love you and you’re here,” state Rep. Leigh Finke (D) said, according to the Minnesota Reformer Report. . Finke is transgender herself.
Gov. Tim Walz already signed an executive order earlier this month that preserves the right of LGBTQ people in the state to receive gender-affirming medical care.
“We want every Minnesotan to grow up feeling safe, valued, protected, celebrated and free to exist as an authentic version of themselves,” Walz told The Associated Press at the time. “Protecting and supporting access to gender-affirming health care is essential to being a welcoming and supportive state.”
The statute would simply provide stronger protections than the executive order. It would prevent state officials from having to comply with extradition requests, arrest warrants or subpoenas from other states regarding gender affirmation assistance provided in Minnesota.
Republican-controlled states across the country have passed or considered laws to prevent minors from receiving such care; at least one state, Florida, is also pursuing gender-affirmation treatments for adults.
Transition generally includes a social component and a medical component, although not all transgender people opt for medical intervention.
I’m a passionate and motivated journalist with a focus on world news. My experience spans across various media outlets, including Buna Times where I serve as an author. Over the years, I have become well-versed in researching and reporting on global topics, ranging from international politics to current events.