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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.

Department of Justice arrests Minnesota man over illegal weapons possession
Crime

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 with a gun and a bar
News

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.
Finke Zephyr Howell Kozlowski
Politics

Trans and Nonbinary Candidates Win in Minnesota and Montana

They represent more significant firsts for the LGBTQ+ community.

Tyler Kistner
Politics

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.

Finke Russell Quade
Politics

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.

Dave Chappelle
News

Minneapolis Venue Cancels Dave Chappelle Comedy Show

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

Erin Maye Quade
Politics

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.

Becker school board protest
News

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 rally
Transgender

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.
Mary Kay Thomas
News

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 Tim Walz
Politics

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.

Sven Sundgaard
News

Gay Meteorologist Fired After Anti-Trump Post, Claims Bias at Work

Sven Sundgaard claims the news station discriminated against him because he is gay and Jewish.
Student and mother
Transgender

Notorious School District to Pay Trans Youth $300K to Settle Suit

A young transgender man had sued Minnesota's Anoka-Hennepin School District for discrimination.

'Outbreak' of HIV, Syphilis in Minnesota
Plus
Health
Badge
linkout

'Outbreak' of HIV, Syphilis in Minnesota

Angie Craig
Election

Lesbian Congresswoman Angie Craig Survives GOP Plot to Take Her Down

A third-party candidate, now deceased, had said Republicans recruited him to draw votes away from Craig, but she won reelection anyway.

Angie Craig and Adam Weeks
Politics

Dead Marijuana Candidate Paid by GOP to Defeat Lesbian Politician

Adam C. Weeks, who was running against U.S. Rep. Angie Craig, died in September, but a voice mail has emerged in which he said Republicans asked him to be a spoiler.

Paul Gazelka
Politics

Minnesota Senate Leader: Sexual Assault, Bad Parenting Make People Gay

Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka, who once sent a child of his to Marcus Bachmann's clinic, made the claims to a televangelist.

Jason Lewis
Election

GOPer Who Likened Marriage Equality to Rape Seeks Senate Seat

Jason Lewis, who also complained about not being able to call women sluts, wants to be U.S. senator from Minnesota.
Dan Hall and Freedom March
Politics

Minnesota Lawmaker Attends 'Freedom March' for Conversion Therapy

Dan Hall was instrumental in defeating a conversion therapy ban in the state.

Minnesota Pride
Voices

How Minnesota's First Small-Town LGBTQ Pride Survived and Thrived

The organizers of East Central Minnesota Pride celebrate their 15th anniversary and remember the various obstacles -- like hate crimes and antigay politicians.