St. Paul, MN—March 24, 2023—The Minnesota House of Representatives passed HF 146, Minnesota’s Trans Refuge bill with a 68-64 vote. This legislation will enshrine and expand protections provided under Executive Order 23-03 signed by Governor Tim Walz. Minnesota’s trans refuge legislation will protect trans people, supportive families, and care providers as other states ban this essential care.

OutFront Minnesota thanks the Minnesota House of Representatives for passing this vital and historic legislation. We are grateful to State Representative Leigh Finke (DFL-66A), the lead author of HF 146, to the Queer Caucus, and to our elected leadership and champions who made this vote possible.

We also thank the community members and partner organizations who testified in support of the bill and built momentum for today’s successful vote. OutFront Minnesota has been working collaboratively with local coalition partner organizations as well as national partners including The Trevor Project and Human Rights Campaign. Today is a win for all members of our community.

At Thursday's press conference, Representative Finke stated, "While anti-transgender and anti-LGBTQ+ legislation by extremist republicans continues to rise across the nation, Minnesota has the opportunity today to boldly say that trans, gender-expansive, two-spirit, non-binary people will continue to be an integral fabric of our society, and that you belong here. To all those families across the United States that are afraid and wondering where they can go for help, Minnesota is saying we see you, we love you, and you belong here."

Today’s vote is a welcome win for our LGBTQ+ community, both in Minnesota and across the country. And as organizations like ours field an increasing number of calls from those seeking care from neighboring states, this legislation could not be more timely.

The Senate companion bill, SF 63, awaits a vote in Senate Judiciary Committee. We look forward to moving that bill forward and on to the Governor’s desk.

Kat Rohn, OutFront Minnesota’s Executive Director said, “Today’s historic vote sends a clear message—you belong here. And it’s a vote that feels deeply personal for me as a member of the trans community. By advancing this trans refuge bill, Minnesota is affirming a commitment to the LGBTQ+ community and ensuring that critical life-affirming care is available to all who need it. Caring for our neighbors, creating welcoming and inclusive communities—these are Minnesotan values. I am so grateful to our partners in community and at the legislature; and especially lead author Representative Leigh Finke for advancing this important bill. Together we are reshaping the national narrative on LGBTQ+ rights.”