With the legislative session in its final weeks, focus has turned to omnibus bills as they make their way through conference committees, to the floor of each chamber of the Legislature, and then to the Governor’s desk. One such omnibus bill (the Judiciary omnibus bill – HF2890) includes the “Take Pride Act” (HF1655) which is being presented as an update to Minnesota’s Human Rights Act. This “update,” which equates gender identity with biological sex, would be a step backward for Minnesota. Among other things, it would prevent nonprofits that work with children and youth from upholding sex distinctions in staffing decisions.
This is the same “Take Pride Act” that drew national attention for attempting to remove language from Minnesota law stating that attraction to children is not a protected sexual orientation. Fortunately, lawmakers listened to the voices of Minnesotans who spoke out and unanimously agreed to an amendment to protect children. However, that amendment appears to be missing from the Judiciary omnibus bill as of May 12, 2023.
Just to be very clear: removing language stating that pedophilia is not a sexual orientation is by far the most dangerous part of this legislation, but even with the most harmful aspect removed, this Act still wouldn’t be good for Minnesota.
In her testimony before the Judiciary Finance and Civil Law Committee, True North Legal’s General Counsel, Renee Carlson explained,
The so-called "Take Pride Act”…is a significant encroachment on the fundamental liberties of Minnesotans who choose to live consistent with their personal moral values and religious beliefs. Under the guise of human rights, this legislation would shrink the scope of current exemptions under the law, effectively banning disagreement over the government’s perception of sexual orthodoxy, finding those who reasonably object to government ideology in violation of the law.
In her testimony, Carlson pointed out that this Act would coerce certain organizations into abandoning their mission and values. For example, an organization committed to providing fatherless boys and men with male mentors would be prohibited from only allowing male mentors, thus preventing them from doing the very thing for which they exist.
God designed men and women to be different. Those distinctions are a beautiful thing, and research shows that those distinctions matter for children. The absence of a father or a mother causes lasting harm. Tragically, half of the children in America grow up in broken homes, and one in four are in households with no father figure. Having a mentor who steps into that gap makes a difference in a child’s life. An organization that exists to provide role models and mentors for children dealing with the absence of a parent needs to be free to make staffing decisions that recognize the differences between men and women.
This legislation matters because it takes away the opportunity for those organizations to effectively offer support to fatherless or motherless children. The best interests of children should not be denied in favor of the desires of adults.
Minnesota thrives when the right to live and act in accordance with one’s beliefs is upheld and the needs of children are recognized and met. This legislation is at odds with that. Children deserve to be protected and cared for, not to be used as political chess pieces. It is time for Minnesotans, including our lawmakers, to put the best interest of children ahead adults’ agendas.
