Gender Justice Applauds New Protections for Minnesotans’ Health, Rights & Safety
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 27, 2023
CONTACT
Gabbi Pierce, Communications Manager
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651.789.2090
Today in St. Paul, Gender Justice was on hand to applaud Governor Tim Walz’s signing of three recently-passed measures to expand and strengthen the health, rights and safety of people seeking health care as well as those who provide it: the Reproductive Freedom Defense Act (RFDA), Trans Refuge Bill and Conversion Therapy Ban.
“With today’s bill signing, Governor Walz sends the clear and urgently-needed message that Minnesota is a state that values the freedom to make personal decisions without political interference,” said Gender Justice Executive Director Megan Peterson. “It’s a message that could hardly be more timely or necessary, given the surge in political attacks on our rights to seek reproductive or gender-affirming health care, or simply to exist as LGBTQ people.
“Thankfully, these new laws meet the moment, by expanding protections for Minnesotans who live here as well as those who come here seeking care, or refuge, or simply community.”
The RFDA creates strong protections for Minnesotans who provide abortion care, people seeking care in Minnesota as well as those they turn to for assistance against criminal penalties imposed by other states. The Trans Refuge Bill and Conversion Therapy Ban both seek to protect trans and LGB kids and their families, and their ability to access gender-affirming care consistent with best practices, without fear of interference or punishment from other states.
Said Peterson, “We are once again so grateful to our many legislative champions and supporters like Governor Walz, who have taken a powerful stand to protect the health, rights and safety of our communities. Here in Minnesota we believe everyone should have the right and ability to make and act on their own decisions about their gender, their sexuality, their pregnancies, their families, and their futures — and equal access to the care and support they need to chart their destinies and realize their desires and dreams.”