MN Dems Push For Contentious 'Equal Rights Amendment' Ballot Question

ST. PAUL, MN — Democrats in the Minnesota House hope to approve the controversial "Equal Rights Amendment" bill on Wednesday.

A vote has not yet been scheduled but could take place at any time while the chamber is in session.

According to its current text, the ERA bill would place a constitutional amendment question on the 2024 ballot that would ask voters the following:

"Shall the Minnesota Constitution be amended by adding a specific guarantee that equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by this state or any of its cities, counties, or other political subdivisions on account of race, color, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, ancestry, or national origin?"

The bill's author, Democratic Rep. Kaohly Her of St. Paul, argues the ERA would guarantee every Minnesotan the same rights under the law and ensure that needed protections for LGBTQIA2S+ and others cannot be taken away, regardless of which political party or judges are in charge.

Critics of the ERA call the language deceptive and slam it as the "Erosion of Rights Amendment," arguing that it would diminish protections of women in favor of protecting people based on their "gender identity or expression."

Specifically, Republicans say the ERA could spell the end of girls' sports and sex-separated facilities, such as homeless shelters.

Additionally, critics note that the ballot question does not protect religious observers — such as Christians, Muslims, or Jews — from discrimination.

Read the entire House ERA bill here.