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Minnesota

News from within the borders of Minnesota, the first Midwestern state to vote down a constitutional gay marriage ban in 2012. Democratic Governor Mark Dayton signd the bill into law in May, which then took effect in August of 2013. Learn more about past and present obstacles toward achieving equality in Minnesota, including hate crimes law, transgender rights, adoption, and other rights denied to same-sex couples and LGBT people. We stay on top of developments so that you can stay informed about this issue.

Minnesota Culver's Sued for Antigay, Racist, and Sexist Harassment

The federal agency filed two lawsuits against the franchise holder Tuesday.

Minneapolis Trans Woman's Attackers Plead Guilty to Assaulting Her at Train Station

The two are likely to serve only four months in jail each because of a plea deal, which the City Council president is criticizing.

Man Who Pulled Gun at Historic Minnesota Gay Bar Pleads Guilty

Conell Walter Harris returned to play pool after he threatened to kill employees.

​Minnesota Governor to Sign Bills Safeguarding Gender-Affirming Care, Abortion

Minnesota Democratic Gov. Tim Walz is also expected to sign a bill banning conversion therapy.

Minnesota Hopes to Become Refuge for Trans Minors Seeking Health Care

The state is advancing Rep. Leigh Finke's bill to protect young trans people and their parents from out-of-state actions that would prevent or punish gender-affirming care.

Minnesota Governor Signs Order Protecting Gender-Affirming Health Care

Democratic Gov. Tim Walz's executive order comes as Republican-led states around the country push restrictions on such care.

Minnesota Moves Toward Banning Conversion Therapy

The state's House of Representatives has approved the ban, and it is likely to pass in the Senate.

Pence Rails Against Trans Kids, Pronouns During Midwest Speaking Swing

Mike Pence has resurfaced in advance of a potential 2024 run and he's taken aim at trans kids.

Lesbian Congresswoman Angie Craig Attacked in Her Apartment Building

Craig, a mother of four, was attacked in an elevator.

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Man Who Called Club Q Suspect 'A Hero' Charged With Weapons Possession

River Smith of Minnesota allegedly bought three hand grenades and parts to make convert an AR-15 rifle into an illegal machine gun, authorities say. 

Man Pulls Gun at Historic Gay Bar, Threatens Employees and Patrons

Witnesses say the man "squared up" with one employee and threatened to kill another.

Trans and Nonbinary Candidates Win in Minnesota and Montana

They represent more significant firsts for the LGBTQ+ community.

GOP Candidate Suggested He Saw Combat When He Didn't

The Minnesota Republican is running against the first out LGBTQ+ member of Congress from Minnesota, and this isn't his first time embeleshing his military experience.

Out Candidates See Groundbreaking Wins in Connecticut, Minnesota

A Black gay man stands to become Connecticut's treasurer, while Black and transgender women had breakthroughs in Minnesota.

Minneapolis Venue Cancels Dave Chappelle Comedy Show

The cancelation seems to be related to Dave Chappelle's anti-trans material. 

Minnesota Lesbian Candidate Doesn't Let Labor Pains Stop Her Speech

Erin Maye Quade spoke at the Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party's convention less than 24 hours before giving birth to her first child.

School Board Draws Outrage & Protests for Hosting Anti-LGBTQ+ Speakers

"There aren't two sides to human rights," one Becker Public Schools staffer said, calling the presentation "garbage."

Minnesota Town Rallies Around Outed Trans Child

Hundreds in Hastings, Minn., showed their support for the child and LGBTQ+ youth in general at a rally Saturday.

Former Principal Says She Was Punished for Pride Flag Display, Sues

Mary Kay Thomas of Marshall, Minn., says she was removed from her position for supporting the LGBTQ+ community.

Minnesota Governor Signs Order Restricting Conversion Therapy

Gov. Tim Walz's order will prevent state agencies and private insurers from paying for such therapy for minors and vulnerable adults.