A bill to turn Minnesota into a sort of refugee state for transgender youth passed the state House in the early hours of Friday morning, bucking the state’s trend of clamping down on transgender rights.
Democrats have the trifecta in Minnesota, controlling the state House, Senate and governor’s mansion, making it a complete possibility.
“To all the families across the United States who are scared and wondering where they can get help, Minnesota is saying we see you, we love you and you’re here,” said state Rep. Leigh Finke (D). Minnesota Reformer. Finke is transgender himself.
Governor Tim Walz signed an executive order earlier this month to protect the right of LGBTQ people in the state to receive gender-affirming health care.
“We want every Minnesotan to grow up feeling safe, valued, protected, celebrated, and free to be the authentic version of themselves,” Walz said at the time, according to The Associated Press. “Protecting and supporting access to gender-affirming health care is essential to being a friendly and supportive country.”
The law would only provide stronger protections than the executive order. It would prevent state officials from complying with other states’ extradition requests, arrest warrants or subpoenas related to gender-affirming treatment provided in Minnesota.
Republican-controlled states across the country have passed or are considering legislation to prevent minors from receiving such treatment; at least one state – Florida – is also going after gender-affirming care for adults.
In general, transition includes a social component and a medical component, although not every transgender person chooses medical intervention.