The debate over White Bear Township has reached the State Capitol, creating policy questions for to push ‘gender-affirming rights act’ in 2024 session residents.
Legislators in the Minnesota House’s “Queer Caucus” celebrated the repeal of laws imposing criminal penalties for HIV exposure and $2 million in funding for gender-neutral school bathrooms. This language appears to mirror that of the radical “Protect Reproductive Options Act,” which grants all Minnesotans a “fundamental right” to abortion and was criticized by Republicans for, among other concerns, its lack of clear age restrictions.
The “Gender Affirming Rights Act” states that “everyone has a fundamental right to make autonomous decisions about their gender and use of gender-affirming care,” according to a press release from the Queer Caucus.
The legislation would also strip local governments of their ability to regulate “gender-affirming health care.” “As the first Queer Caucus at the Minnesota Legislature, we were adamant on affirming the identities of our first ever Trans woman and non-binary legislators.
We have a massive responsibility to our LGBTQIA2S+ communities and their families to ensure we make our state a place of refuge and protection against the rise of hateful legislation from extremist Republicans across the country.
Throughout the session, we made it clear that we would not engage in any debates on our right to exist and live,” members of the Queer Caucus said in a joint statement.
The caucus also celebrated the repeal of Minnesota’s criminal penalties for knowingly spreading HIV/AIDS and $2 million in new funding for schools to build new gender-neutral bathrooms.
“Our resilience and tenacity for queer liberation are in large part thanks to the unwavering support of community leaders, advocates, and youth,” the Queer Caucus said.
As the measure advances, residents of White Bear Township can follow amendments and contact Heather Gustafson regarding the final language.
Article Source: Alpha News: “DFL to push ‘Gender-Affirming Rights Act’ in 2024 session ”
