May 19, 2024
House Passes, Rep. Jess Hanson Votes for, Minnesota Equal Rights Amendment
SAINT PAUL, Minn. – Early this morning, the Minnesota House of Representatives passed SF 37/HF173, the Minnesota Equal Rights Amendment, proposing a state constitutional amendment to codify the right to equality. The legislation, known as the Minnesota Equal Rights Amendment, would submit the proposed amendment to voters at the 2026 state general election, and if approved, would take effect January 1, 2027. The bill passed on a vote of 68-62.
“Equal rights for all, no exceptions. I am so glad our Minnesota ERA will protect women, our LGBTQ+ community, and all Minnesotans regardless of race, color, national origin, ancestry, disability, pregnancy, gender identity, sexual identity, or sex,” said Rep. Jess Hanson (DFL - Burnsville), who voted in favor of the bill. “Now is the time to pass the Minnesota Equal Rights Amendment and give voters the opportunity to ensure all Minnesotans are protected from discrimination, and I am proud to support this bill.”
The Minnesota Equal Rights Amendment would guarantee every Minnesotan the same rights under the law, and codify protections against discrimination by the state based on race, color, national origin, ancestry, disability, or sex — including pregnancy, pregnancy outcomes, gender identity, gender expression, and sexual orientation.
The bill now awaits action from the Minnesota Senate. The floor debate and final vote can be found here.
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