Minnesota Could Become a Trans Sanctuary State

Trans people from neighboring states, including Iowa, South Dakota, North Dakota, and Nebraska, could soon be seeking care in Minnesota.

By Anya Zoledziowski
April 3, 2023, 10:19am

The Minnesota House voted on Friday to pass the state’s proposed transgender refuge bill that would safeguard trans youth who live in states with gender-affirming care bans and need to travel to Minnesota to receive care.

If signed into law, HF146 would prevent other states from seizing children from their families because they’re receiving gender-affirming care. The bill also protects families, trans people, and healthcare workers from extradition orders and legal repercussions associated with travel to Minnesota for care.

“A court order for the removal of a child issued in another state because the

child's parent or guardian assisted the child in receiving gender-affirming care in this state must not be enforced in this state,” the bill says.

The house passed the bill with a vote of 68-62 on Trans Day of Visibility, and it now moves to the Senate. Democratic Gov. Tim Walz has committed to signing it into law if it lands on his desk.

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