SAINT PAUL, Minn. – Today, Governor Tim Walz signed three bills into law protecting people seeking or providing abortions in Minnesota, banning the practice of conversion therapy, and protecting people seeking or providing gender-affirming health care in Minnesota.
Members of the Minnesota House Queer Caucus issued the following statement:
“Today is a day for celebration and GOOD news! We applaud Governor Tim Walz and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan for prioritizing reproductive rights and the rights of our LGBTQIA2S+ community in Minnesota. Now more than ever, our community is facing horrific legislative attacks around the country and people are scared and looking for a state to call home, a state where they can raise their family, and a state that will keep them safe. Minnesota is a north star for many people, and we are continuing to create a blueprint for what unity and solidarity look like in legislation and community. We are working together to protect and codify bodily autonomy for Minnesotans. We are also creating strong protections for Minnesota’s healthcare providers and citizens against legal attacks and criminal penalties from anti-abortion extremists in other states.
“We will continue to do everything in our power to protect our two-spirit, non-binary, enby, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer community so they can live openly without discrimination and embrace their human rights, personal autonomy, and freedom of expression and association. In Minnesota, we want you to live without any shame or doubt that you are respected, loved, and protected. Hate has no home here, you belong here.”