SAINT PAUL, Minn. – The 93rd Minnesota Legislature concluded its most consequential two-year session in state history on Monday, May 20, 2024. In the 2023 legislative session, the Minnesota Queer Legislators Caucus led efforts to advance equity and create policies to ensure Minnesota became a refuge state for our LGBTQIA2S+, trans, and nonbinary community. Building on their momentum, legislators diligently pursued legislation in the 2024 session to expand support for trans youth, secure grants for LGBTQIA2S+ small businesses, strengthen protections for our most vulnerable community members, and more.
Members of the Minnesota Queer Legislators Caucus issued the following statement reflecting on the historic legislative sessions:
“Being the state’s first Queer Legislators Caucus we had an undeniable responsibility to protect, embrace, and uplift our diverse and expansive LGBTQIA2S+ community through legislative action. Under our leadership, in the 2023 legislative session, Governor Walz signed an executive order for Trans Refuge, and we were relentless all session ensuring it became law. The passage of the Trans Refuge law was just the beginning of our dedication to ensuring all trans folx have access to gender-affirming care and the tools they need to thrive.
“We worked alongside community partners, advocates, and local leaders from across the state to ensure we were meeting the needs of our community and updating our laws to reflect a more inclusive Minnesota. We would be remiss to not acknowledge how deeply disappointing it is the ERA amendment did not pass this year. It is crucial now more than ever we do everything we can to ensure its passage in 2025.
“All people, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, deserve to live with dignity and equal protection under our state constitution, especially our youth. Last week, Hopkins High student Cobalt Sovereign, who is trans, was violently assaulted in a school restroom. The lack of accountability and inaction in this case is a direct violation of their human right to use the restroom safely and without discrimination. We are committed to creating a more inclusive and equitable society for all LGBTQIA2S+ Minnesotans. We will continue to work together with community leaders to strengthen support and response to LGBTQIA2S+ youth. This includes creating spaces where all children are expected to be safe and respected. In solidarity with our allies, we will work to protect all Minnesotans so they can live openly without discrimination and embrace their human rights, personal autonomy, and freedom of expression and association.”
View the Minnesota Queer Legislators Caucus 2024 Legislative Achievements one-pager here.
The Queer Caucus is composed of members of the Minnesota State House and Senate who identify as 2SLGBTQIA+. The Queer Caucus works to advance and protect the rights of the whole Queer community, as well as the rights of our intersecting communities.
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