In Minnesota, we believe in freedom, fairness, and equality for everyone. Whether it’s protecting reproductive freedom, ending racial and gender discrimination, or defending the rights of immigrants and people with disabilities, our fight for equality is shared and interconnected.
The Minnesota Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) would enshrine these shared values in our state Constitution, ensuring that every Minnesotan’s rights are protected — now and for future generations to come.
Why We Need the Minnesota ERA
The ERA would guarantee equal rights under Minnesota law for everyone — leaving no one out. Here are a few examples of how it will make a real difference:
- Protects Reproductive Freedom: Ensures that decisions about pregnancy and healthcare are protected from government interference.
- Secures LGBTQ+ Rights: Strengthens protections for transgender and nonbinary people, as well as LGBQ+ individuals, against discrimination.
- Advances Disability Justice: Guarantees that Minnesotans with disabilities receive equal protection under the law.
- Combats Racial Discrimination: Offers stronger legal recourse against state-sanctioned racial injustice and inequality.
In a time when basic rights and freedoms are under attack across the country, we fully support a state Equal Rights Amendment as a crucial step in protecting our rights and freedoms.
Our Coalition: Minnesotans for Equal Rights
Gender Justice Action is a proud member of Minnesotans for Equal Rights, a diverse coalition including union, faith leaders, disability justice advocates, racial equity leaders, LGBTQ+ communities, and the reproductive freedom movement. Together, we are working to ensure that Minnesotans have the opportunity to vote for equality on the 2026 ballot.
Our partners include: Asian American Organizing Project ERA Minnesota Jewish Community Action Minnesota Council on Disability MN AFL-CIO National Council of Jewish Women Minnesota OutFront Minnesota TakeAction Minnesota The Arc Minnesota The Paper Lantern Project Voices for Racial Justice Women’s Foundation of Minnesota YWCA Minneapolis UnRestrict Minnesota Minnesota Move to Amend League of Women Voters of Minnesota African American Leadership Forum.
How the Process Works
Once the Minnesota ERA passes the Legislature, the question will be placed on the statewide ballot. Voters will be asked:
“Shall the Minnesota Constitution be amended to guarantee equal rights for all persons, prohibiting discrimination based on race, color, national origin, ancestry, disability, or sex, including pregnancy, pregnancy outcomes, gender identity, gender expression, and sexual orientation?”
A majority of voters must vote YES for the amendment to pass. If a voter leaves the question blank, it counts as a No vote.
How You Can Help
Join us in the movement for equality! Here’s how you can make a difference:
- Get Involved – Sign up to volunteer with Minnesotans for Equal Rights.
- Donate to the Campaign for Equality – Help fund the effort to pass the ERA.
- Spread the Word – Talk to your friends, family, and community about why the ERA matters.
Together, we can ensure that Minnesota leads the way in protecting equality, freedom, and dignity for all.