Purpose of the Bill

The purpose of this bill is to propose an amendment to the Minnesota Constitution, to ensure equal rights for all individuals and prohibit discrimination based on specific characteristics.

Main Provisions

• Equal Rights: The amendment guarantees equal rights for all individuals under Minnesota state law.
• Prohibition of Discrimination: The state is prohibited from discriminating against any person based on race, color, national origin, ancestry, disability, or sex. The amendment includes specific protections concerning pregnancy-related decisions, gender identity or expression, and sexual orientation.
• Judicial Review: Any state action that denies an individual's equal rights must be justified as the least restrictive means of achieving a compelling governmental interest.
• Scope: The amendment states that it applies to the state and any of its agencies or political subdivisions, demanding that state actions comply with these equal rights standards.
• Non-Restriction Clause: It does not limit existing rights in the constitution nor prevent the implementation of laws aimed at preventing or addressing discrimination.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• This amendment formally adds protections for gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, and pregnancy-related decisions into the state’s constitutional framework, augmenting existing anti-discrimination laws.

Submission to Voters

• The proposed amendment will be presented to voters in the 2026 general election. If approved by the electorate, the amendment will take effect on January 1, 2027.

Relevant Terms

• Equal Rights
• Discrimination
• Race, Color, National Origin, Ancestry
• Disability
• Sex
• Pregnancy
• Gender Identity and Expression
• Sexual Orientation