This bill seeks to strengthen human rights protections in Minnesota by defining "gender identity" as a protected category within the Human Rights Act and eliminating provisions that allow discrimination based on sexual orientation. It amends Minnesota Statutes, specifically section 363A.02, to include "gender identity" alongside other protected characteristics such as race, color, creed, and disability. A new subdivision is introduced to define "gender identity" as an individual's inherent sense of being a man, woman, both, or neither, which may not align with their assigned sex at birth. The bill also repeals sections that previously permitted discrimination based on sexual orientation, reinforcing the state's commitment to preventing discrimination in employment, housing, and public accommodations.

Additionally, the bill enhances protections against discriminatory practices in real estate transactions, public accommodations, and educational institutions by explicitly including "gender identity" as a protected characteristic. It outlines various unfair discriminatory practices, such as refusal to sell or lease property and discrimination in financial assistance, while also clarifying the obligations of public accommodations and educational institutions to provide equal access and reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. By repealing conflicting statutes, the bill aims to create a more inclusive legal framework that ensures individuals are not denied equal opportunities based on their gender identity or other protected characteristics.

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