Text of MN SF 473 (2026)
Constitutional amendment to provide equal rights under the law and prohibiting discrimination based on a list of characteristics
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As introduced
3,084 characters
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A bill for an act
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relating to state government; proposing an amendment to the Minnesota
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Constitution, article I, by adding a section; providing for equal rights under the
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law and prohibiting discrimination based on the listed characteristics.
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BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:
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Section 1. CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT PROPOSED.
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An amendment to the Minnesota Constitution is proposed to the people. If the amendment
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is adopted, a section shall be added to article I, to read:
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Sec. 18. All persons shall be guaranteed equal rights under the laws of this state. The
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state shall not discriminate against any person in intent or effect on account of one or more
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of the following:
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(a) race;
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(b) color;
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(c) national origin;
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(d) ancestry;
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(e) disability; or
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(f) sex, including but not limited to:
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(i) making and effectuating decisions about all matters relating to one's own pregnancy
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or decision whether to become or remain pregnant;
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(ii) gender identity or gender expression; or
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Section 1.
25-01582
as introduced
12/20/24
REVISOR
SGS/MI
SENATE
STATE OF MINNESOTA
S.F. No. 473
NINETY-FOURTH SESSION
(SENATE AUTHORS: KUNESH and Pappas)
OFFICIAL STATUS
D-PG
DATE
Introduction and first reading
01/21/2025
Referred to State and Local Government
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(iii) sexual orientation.
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Any action by the state that denies an individual's equal rights shall be invalid unless,
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at a minimum, it is the least restrictive means of achieving a compelling governmental
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interest.
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For purposes of this section, state includes the state or any agency or political subdivision
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of the state.
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This section is self-executing. This section does not limit or narrow existing rights in
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this constitution. Nothing in this section shall invalidate or prevent the adoption of any law,
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regulation, program, practice, or benefit designed to prevent or remedy discrimination on
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the basis of characteristics listed in this section.
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Sec. 2. SUBMISSION TO VOTERS.
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(a) The proposed amendment must be submitted to the people at the 2026 general election.
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If ratified, the amendment is effective January 1, 2027. The question submitted must be:
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"Shall the Minnesota Constitution be amended to say that all persons shall be guaranteed
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equal rights under the laws of this state, and shall not be discriminated against on account
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of race, color, national origin, ancestry, disability, or sex, including pregnancy, gender, and
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sexual orientation?
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Yes ...................
"
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No ....................
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(b) The title required under Minnesota Statutes, section 204D.15, subdivision 1, for the
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question submitted to the people under paragraph (a) shall be: "Minnesota Equal Rights
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Amendment."
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Sec. 2.
25-01582
as introduced
12/20/24
REVISOR
SGS/MI