Minnesota Trans Lawmaker Wanted To Remove Anti-Pedophile Clause From Human Rights Statute, Cries Victim As Colleagues Move To Protect Children

Minnesota Lawmakers Explicitly Exclude Pedophiles from Human Rights Statutes

Minnesota lawmakers have taken a stand against pedophilia by explicitly excluding them from the state’s human rights statutes. This move came after a colleague suggested loosening language that exempted adults attracted to children from enjoying legal protections under the law.

The Proposed Amendment

Minnesota State Rep. Leigh Finke, a member of the Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party and the first self-identified transgender in the Minnesota Legislature, introduced an amendment in his Take Pride Act that would have altered the definition of “sexual orientation” in the Minnesota Human Rights Act. This would have allowed adults who claim attraction to children as part of their “sexual orientation” to be protected from discrimination under the law.

The Unanimous Vote

After the proposed amendment made national headlines, the Minnesota House unanimously voted to amend the Minnesota Human Rights Act to explicitly clarify that “the physical or sexual attachment to children by an adult is not a protected class” under the law. Minnesota State Rep. Harry Niska, a member of the Republican Party who introduced the clarification, said the unanimous vote was a “glimmer of common sense.”

Protecting Children from Exploitation

Minnesota Family Council CEO John Helmberger expressed hope that both parties would work to protect children from exploitation. “We’re also extremely grateful that this amendment was adopted unanimously; that’s a great expression of the desire of legislators in both parties to protect children from exploitation,” he remarked.

Enactment of Three Bills

Minnesota Democratic Gov. Tim Walz endorsed three bills on Thursday, including legislation which will “protect access to gender-affirming health care.” Finke said that the enactment of the three bills marked “an amazing, celebratory day in the movement for a more just future.”

Conclusion

Minnesota lawmakers have taken a step in the right direction by explicitly excluding pedophiles from human rights statutes. This move will help protect children from exploitation and ensure that adults who claim attraction to children are not protected from discrimination under the law.

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