Saint Paul, MN- Elected as the new House Chair of the Minnesota Reproductive Freedom Caucus, Representative Leigh Finke (DFL-Saint Paul) will introduce the Equal Rights Amendment in the Minnesota House of Representatives during the 2025 legislative session. The Minnesota ERA explicitly protects against discrimination based on race, color, national origin, ancestry, disability, sex, pregnancy, pregnancy outcomes, gender identity, gender expression, and sexual orientation.
“First and foremost, I want to thank Representative Kaohly Vang Her for her unwavering commitment and dedication to this legislation and entrusting me as the new ERA bill author in the House,” Rep. Finke said. “Rep. Her is the former House Chair of the Minnesota Reproductive Freedom Caucus and under her leadership, she unified our caucus through nearly 15 hours of debate, and helped pass the ERA off of the House floor, which no other member was able to achieve.”
The ERA bill, proposing a state constitutional amendment to finally establish equality in the law, passed the Minnesota House of Representatives on Sunday, May 19, 2024, by a vote of 68-62.
“Given the potential for systematic discrimination by the Trump Administration against trans and immigrant communities, among other threats, safeguarding our state constitution to enshrine the most inclusive ERA bill in the nation is absolutely an urgent movement we cannot delay,” she added. “ERA advocates have been at the frontlines for decades and it’s beyond time to deliver for the people of Minnesota. Laws can be repealed, changed, or undermined by shifting political tides. A constitutional amendment, however, locks in protections for the long term. The Minnesota ERA offers a vital layer of assurance for equal rights protections, providing consistent safeguards regardless of changes in political leadership or future developments. This amendment is essential for guaranteeing these fundamental rights for all Minnesotans, both now and in the years to come.”
Megan Peterson, executive director at Gender Justice, detailed the importance of advancing the legislation:
“Minnesota has an incredible opportunity to lead the nation by enshrining the Equal Rights Amendment in our state constitution. This amendment is about ensuring every Minnesotan is protected under the law, no matter their gender, race, or background. At a time when fundamental rights are under attack nationwide, the ERA represents a bold, unifying statement that Minnesota values equality, justice, and fairness for all.
“Passing the ERA will not only strengthen protections for bodily autonomy and self-determination but also set a powerful example for the country. We are proud to stand alongside Rep. Finke and the many Minnesotans working tirelessly to make this vision a reality.”
On the opening day of the legislative session, a diverse coalition of advocates and community leaders—united under the banner Minnesotans for Equal Rights—will gather in the Capitol Rotunda to rally in support of the Minnesota Equal Rights Amendment (ERA).
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