Purpose of the Bill

The bill proposes an amendment to the Minnesota Constitution to ensure that all individuals have equal rights under the law without discrimination. This amendment seeks to explicitly protect individuals from discrimination based on race, color, national origin, ancestry, disability, sex, pregnancy decisions, gender identity, gender expression, and sexual orientation.

Main Provisions

• Equal Rights Guarantee: The bill adds a new section to Article I of the Minnesota Constitution stating that everyone is guaranteed equal rights under state laws.
• Prohibition of Discrimination: It explicitly prohibits discrimination by the state or its subdivisions based on listed protected characteristics, including race, color, and sex, as well as pregnancy-related decisions, gender identity, and sexual orientation.
• Government Actions: Any state action that denies equal rights must be justified as the least restrictive means to achieve a compelling governmental interest.
• Introduction in General Election: The proposed amendment will be presented to voters in the 2026 general election and, if approved, will take effect on January 1, 2027.

Significant Changes

• The bill introduces new protections explicitly for gender identity, gender expression, and decisions related to pregnancy, which are not currently detailed in the Minnesota Constitution.
• It clarifies that the state includes not just the government itself but also any agency or political subdivision.

Relevant Terms

Minnesota Constitution, equal rights, discrimination, race, color, national origin, ancestry, disability, sex, pregnancy decisions, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, compelling governmental interest, constitutional amendment, equal rights amendment.