Minnesota Legislature Upholds Religious Freedom Passing Provision in Human Rights Act Protecting Organizations from Discrimination Accusations

(KNSI) — In what is being hailed as a win for religious freedom, the Minnesota Legislature voted in favor of a provision in state law safeguarding religious institutions and schools from accusations of discrimination based on gender identity.

Updates were made to the Minnesota Human Rights Act definition in 2023, which banned discrimination based on sexual orientation, but language for an exemption surrounding gender identity was not. In essence, it allowed for discrimination against an applicant who is gay but not for someone who is transgender.

Lawmakers who wanted the change said they were protecting the religious freedom of all faith denominations and believed it was simply an oversight. Religious organizations testified the exemption was needed because it was seen as a protection of everyone’s religious freedoms as outlined by the Constitution. They said they have the right to hire those who align with their religious beliefs and should be able to do so without being hit with a civil rights lawsuit.

True North Legal cited a 2020 U.S. Supreme Court decision stating that the government can’t interfere with hiring decisions made at religious schools and hinted that they may sue if the decision didn’t go through.

The measure passed the Senate, with Maple Grove Senator Warren Limmer praising the passage saying it solidified the constitutional rights of everyone. The House unanimously approved the bill, with Representative Harry Niska acknowledging that the final version wasn’t exactly what he proposed but that he was grateful for the change. He added both sides needed to be flexible to get the job done and the outcome was respectful for everyone involved.

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