Dear Neighbors,
On Wednesday, I was honored to attend the public memorial honoring the two Burnsville law enforcement officers and fire fighter/paramedic who were tragically killed in the line of duty earlier this month.
Paul Elmstrand, Matthew Ruge, and Adam Finseth are heroes. Please keep their family and the entire community in your prayers.
Please take a moment to watch a brief video I recorded discussing the memorial and how important it is to honor those who have taken an oath to protect and serve.
This week, in the wake of the Burnsville tragedy, Democrats once again began their push for gun control.
Instead of inventing new ways to put additional barriers in front of law-abiding Minnesotans, Democrats should spend their time and energy on holding violent criminals accountable for their actions.
These bills would have done nothing to prevent the Burnsville tragedy. Please take a moment to watch a brief video I recorded on this important topic.
Religious Liberty Concerns
Before last year, when gender identity was included within the Minnesota Human Rights Act (MHRA) definition of sexual orientation, the religious exemption for sexual orientation covered gender identity claims as well. When a new, separate definition of gender identity was created last year, there was no corresponding religious exemption added. The removal of this protection from the Human Rights Act breaks decades of precedent in an attack on Minnesota's religious communities.
During a Judiciary Committee hearing on Thursday, Republicans proposed an amendment would have restored the religious exemption in the MHRA to protect religious organizations and faith-based schools against claims of gender identity discrimination. Already, at least one faith-based school is facing an employment complaint at the Department of Human Rights because of the removal of the exemption. The exemption ensures that religious organizations and faith-based schools can, among other things, hire teachers and ministers consistent with their mission, values, and faith teachings.
There is a very broad and diverse coalition of religious groups that have come forward with serious concerns, including the Minnesota Catholic Conference, the Joint Religious Legislative Coalition, , Agudath Israel of Minnesota, and the Islamic Center of Minnesota.
Democrats' refusal to adopt this amendment is a red alert regarding the direction our state is heading.
Staying in Touch
Thank you to the many local residents that took time to visit me in St. Paul this week. It was good to chat about the issues that are most important to you.
Folks from Swan Lake Resort and Campground visited for Community of Minnesota Resorts day at the Capitol
Travis Olson visited to discuss firefighter and EMS issues
Please be sure to reach out to me if you have any questions, comments, or concerns. You can contact me by phone at either 651-296-4929 or 701-361-1909. I can also be reached via email at rep.jeff.backer@house.mn.
Have a good day,
Jeff