SAINT PAUL, Minn. – Today, the Minnesota House of Representatives passed HF 146, the Trans Refuge Bill. The legislation, authored by Representative Leigh Finke (DFL – St. Paul) protects the rights of Minnesota’s LGBTQIA2S+ community to seek and receive gender-affirming health care. Members of the Minnesota House Queer Caucus issued the following statement in support of Representative Leigh Finke:
“We are so proud of Representative Finke for her incredible leadership on this issue, and for passing the Trans Refuge bill today on the House floor. At a time when the trans community is constantly under attack by anti-transgender and anti-LGBTQIA2S+ legislation, we need more leaders as brave, caring, and dedicated as Representative Finke. She has been relentless in her work to advance equity for all trans, gender-expansive, and two-spirit community members. No matter the hateful climate she endures, she stands tall and continues to persevere. We cannot thank Rep. Finke enough for her valor and strength.
The Trans Refuge bill ensures access to life-saving healthcare for all families in the state of Minnesota, including age-appropriate, gender-affirming care. This health care is founded on sound research and echoed by positive outcomes. Minnesotans trust each other to make these decisions with their families and health care providers. Today the House of Representatives voted to protect the trans community and affirm the human rights, personal autonomy, and freedom of all trans, gender expansive, and two-spirit Minnesotans.”