This bill seeks to strengthen protections against discrimination based on gender identity and sexual orientation within Minnesota's Human Rights Act. It introduces a clear definition of "gender identity," which encompasses a person's intrinsic sense of being a man, woman, both, or neither, regardless of their assigned sex at birth. The legislation also removes previous provisions that allowed for discrimination based on sexual orientation, reinforcing the state's commitment to ensuring freedom from discrimination in key areas such as employment, housing, public accommodations, and education.

Key amendments include the insertion of "gender identity" and "sexual orientation" as protected categories in various sections of the Minnesota Statutes, explicitly prohibiting discrimination based on these identities. The bill clarifies that it is an unfair discriminatory practice for real estate brokers, financial institutions, and public accommodations to refuse service or discriminate against individuals based on these characteristics. Additionally, it repeals certain exemptions for nonpublic service organizations regarding employment qualifications based on sexual orientation, emphasizing the state's stance against discrimination and promoting a more inclusive legal framework for all individuals in Minnesota.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 363A.03, 363A.21
1st Engrossment: 82B.195, 245I.12, 363A.02, 363A.03, 363A.04, 363A.06, 363A.07, 363A.08, 363A.09, 363A.11, 363A.13, 363A.16, 363A.17, 363A.21
1st Engrossment: 82B.195, 245I.12, 363A.02, 363A.03, 363A.04, 363A.06, 363A.07, 363A.08, 363A.09, 363A.11, 363A.13, 363A.16, 363A.17, 363A.21