Purpose of the Bill

This bill proposes an amendment to the Minnesota Constitution to ensure equal rights for all individuals under the state law. It is designed to prohibit discrimination based on specific attributes such as race, color, national origin, ancestry, disability, sex (including aspects related to pregnancy choices, gender identity or expression, and sexual orientation).

Main Provisions

• Equal Rights Clause: The amendment, if added, would guarantee that all individuals are treated equally under the laws of Minnesota.

• Prohibition of Discrimination: The state and its agencies or subdivisions cannot discriminate, either intentionally or effectively, based on race, color, national origin, ancestry, disability, sex, gender identity or expression, and sexual orientation.

• Protection of Rights: The state can only infringe on an individual's equal rights if it is the least restrictive means to achieve a compelling governmental interest.

• Self-executing Nature: This section will automatically enforce itself without the need for further legislative action. It won't restrict or reduce any existing rights or prevent new anti-discrimination measures from being adopted.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• This amendment introduces new constitutional protections that explicitly recognize gender identity and sexual orientation as protected categories against discrimination.

• It emphasizes reproductive rights, mentioning the right to make decisions regarding pregnancy.

• It strengthens legal standards by requiring any government action affecting equal rights to meet a strict scrutiny test, which is the highest level of judicial review.

Submission to Voters

• The amendment will be presented to the voters at the 2026 general election. If approved, it will take effect on January 1, 2027.

• Voters will be asked if they want to amend the Minnesota Constitution to include these equal rights protections.

Relevant Terms

• Equal rights
• Non-discrimination
• Race
• Gender identity
• Sexual orientation
• Strict scrutiny
• Reproductive rights