1.1 A bill for an act
1.2 relating to state government; proposing an amendment to the Minnesota
1.3 Constitution, article I, by adding a section; providing for equal rights under the
1.4 law and prohibiting discrimination based on the listed characteristics.
1.5 BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:
1.6 Section 1. CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT PROPOSED.
1.7 An amendment to the Minnesota Constitution is proposed to the people. If the amendment
1.8 is adopted, a section shall be added to article I, to read:
1.9 Sec. 18. All persons shall be guaranteed equal rights under the laws of this state. The
1.10 state shall not discriminate against any person in intent or effect on account of one or more
1.11 of the following:
1.12 (a) race;
1.13 (b) color;
1.14 (c) national origin;
1.15 (d) ancestry;
1.16 (e) disability; or
1.17 (f) sex, including but not limited to:
1.18 (i) making and effectuating decisions about all matters relating to one's own pregnancy
1.19 or decision whether to become or remain pregnant;
1.20 (ii) gender identity or gender expression; or
2.1 (iii) sexual orientation.
2.2 Any action by the state that denies an individual's equal rights shall be invalid unless,
2.3 at a minimum, it is the least restrictive means of achieving a compelling governmental
2.4 interest.
2.5 For purposes of this section, state includes the state or any agency or political subdivision
2.6 of the state.
2.7 This section is self-executing. This section does not limit or narrow existing rights in
2.8 this constitution. Nothing in this section shall invalidate or prevent the adoption of any law,
2.9 regulation, program, practice, or benefit designed to prevent or remedy discrimination on
2.10 the basis of characteristics listed in this section.
2.11 Sec. 2. SUBMISSION TO VOTERS.
2.12 (a) The proposed amendment must be submitted to the people at the 2026 general election.
2.13 If ratified, the amendment is effective January 1, 2027. The question submitted must be:
2.14 "Shall the Minnesota Constitution be amended to say that all persons shall be guaranteed
2.15 equal rights under the laws of this state, and shall not be discriminated against on account
2.16 of race, color, national origin, ancestry, disability, or sex, including pregnancy, gender, and
2.17 sexual orientation?
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2.18
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Yes ........
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2.19
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No ........
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2.20 (b) The title required under Minnesota Statutes, section 204D.15, subdivision 1, for the
2.21 question submitted to the people under paragraph (a) shall be: "Minnesota Equal Rights
2.22 Amendment."
