Minnesota Equal Rights Amendment:
Hundreds of Minnesotans rally at Capitol for Equal Rights Amendment
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 14, 2025
CONTACT
Noah Parrish, Communications Director
[email protected]
651.432.0171
New, diverse coalition calls on lawmakers to let the people decide, advance ERA to 2026 ballot
On the first day of legislation session today, a diverse coalition of Minnesotans, united under the banner Minnesotans for Equal Rights, gathered in the Capitol Rotunda to rally for the Minnesota Equal Rights Amendment (ERA). Speakers called on lawmakers to pass the ERA this session, placing it on the ballot for Minnesotans to decide in the 2026 election.
“This is about democracy. It’s about giving Minnesotans the power to vote for equality in a time when our rights and freedoms are under constant attack,” said Rep. Leigh Finke, author of the ERA bill in the House. “We’ve seen what happens when politicians strip away fundamental rights—whether it’s banning abortion or rolling back protections for transgender people. It’s time to let Minnesotans decide if we’re going to enshrine protections for all in our state constitution.” (Rep. Finke was unable to attend the rally but provided this statement in support of the event.)
The Minnesota ERA would explicitly safeguard against discrimination based on race, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy outcomes, and more. Advocates argue that with reproductive rights, LGBTQ+ equality, and racial justice poised to be under attack as Trump returns to Washington, passing the ERA is an urgent and necessary step to protect Minnesota’s hard-won fundamental freedoms.
“Amid this fraught political moment, Minnesota has the chance to lead,” said Sen. Mary Kunesh, Senate author of the ERA.“We can show the nation that Minnesota is committed to equality and dignity for all. The ERA is about who we are as a state—and about securing the future Minnesotans deserve.”
Last year’s legislative session demonstrated widespread support for the ERA. The bill passed the House and had the votes to pass the Senate, but time ran out before a final vote could take place. This year, advocates are emphasizing that this isn’t about revisiting past debates—it’s about giving Minnesotans the opportunity to decide for themselves at the ballot box in 2026.
Megan Peterson, executive director of Gender Justice, said, “This is the fight of our time. With Trump back in office and attacks on freedom and bodily autonomy escalating, it’s up to Minnesota to push back. The people of this state overwhelmingly support equality for all—it’s time to let them decide.”
“Equality is not a partisan issue. It’s a moral imperative,” added Betty Folliard, founder of ERA Minnesota. “Equal rights are our inalienable rights; and we will persevere until they are explicitly protected in our state’s highest legal document: our constitution.”
The rally also marked the launch of Minnesotans for Equal Rights, a diverse coalition of organizations, leaders, and advocates spanning reproductive justice, LGBTQ+ equality, racial justice, labor unions, faith communities, and more. The coalition is united in its mission to advance the ERA and ensure Minnesotans have the chance to vote for equality.
Shelley Carthen Watson, President & CEO, YWCA of Minneapolis: “Since 1891, YWCA Minneapolis has dedicated itself to a mission of eliminating racism and empowering women. As a leader in the field of racial and gender equity, we empower communities and workplaces to embrace new perspectives, protect reproductive freedom, stand against race and gender discrimination, defend the rights of immigrants and people with disabilities, and promote justice for all people. The Minnesota ERA is key to laying the foundation for a better future for all Minnesotans — a future that is equitable, inclusive, and fosters belonging and wellbeing for all members of our community.”
Gloria Perez, President and CEO of the Women’s Foundation of Minnesota: “The Equal Rights Amendment is a critical step to protect the rights and autonomy of all women—especially women of color, immigrant women, LGBTQ+ women, and others long impacted by systemic inequities,” said Gloria Perez, president and CEO of the Women’s Foundation of Minnesota. “By placing the ERA on the ballot, lawmakers can give every Minnesotan the chance to vote for a future rooted in dignity, equality, and freedom from discrimination.”
Trevor Turner, Public Policy Director at the Minnesota Council on Disabilities: “The Minnesota ERA is critical to ensuring that Minnesotans with disabilities are afforded the same dignity, opportunity, and protections as everyone else. Discrimination impacts all of us, and the ERA is a vital step toward dismantling the barriers that prevent people with disabilities from thriving in our communities.”
Dr. Kade Goepferd, Chief Education Officer and Medical Director of Gender Health at Children’s Minnesota: “Every child, regardless of their gender identity, deserves the opportunity to thrive. Inclusive healthcare is not just a basic right—it is essential and lifesaving. I’ve seen firsthand the positive impact that access to comprehensive care has on the lives of transgender and gender diverse youth. It is imperative that we continue to stand up for these young people and ensure that they have the freedom and support to be healthy, happy, and strong. The Minnesota Equal Rights Amendment is an opportunity to make our state an even safer and more supportive place for all children.” (Dr. Goepferd was unable to attend the rally but provided this statement in support of the event.)
Media Resources:
Images and video of the rally will be available at this link by 3 pm CT.
###
How We Make Change
Related Work
