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.
1.5BE 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
1.8is 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
1.10state shall not discriminate against any person in intent or effect on account of one or more
1.11of 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
1.19or decision whether to become or remain pregnant;
1.20 (ii) gender identity or gender expression; or
1Section 1.
REVISOR SGS/MI 25-0158212/20/24
State of Minnesota
This Document can be made available
in alternative formats upon request
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
H. F. No. 501
NINETY-FOURTH SESSION
Authored by Finke, Her, Bahner, Moller, Greenman and others02/13/2025
The bill was read for the first time and referred to the Committee on State Government Finance and Policy 2.1 (iii) sexual orientation.
2.2 Any action by the state that denies an individual's equal rights shall be invalid unless,
2.3at a minimum, it is the least restrictive means of achieving a compelling governmental
2.4interest.
2.5 For purposes of this section, state includes the state or any agency or political subdivision
2.6of the state.
2.7 This section is self-executing. This section does not limit or narrow existing rights in
2.8this constitution. Nothing in this section shall invalidate or prevent the adoption of any law,
2.9regulation, program, practice, or benefit designed to prevent or remedy discrimination on
2.10the 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.
2.13If 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
2.15equal rights under the laws of this state, and shall not be discriminated against on account
2.16of race, color, national origin, ancestry, disability, or sex, including pregnancy, gender, and
2.17sexual orientation?
2.18 Yes ...................
"2.19 No ....................
2.20 (b) The title required under Minnesota Statutes, section 204D.15, subdivision 1, for the
2.21question submitted to the people under paragraph (a) shall be: "Minnesota Equal Rights
2.22Amendment."
2Sec. 2.
REVISOR SGS/MI 25-0158212/20/24