“Religious liberty is both a fundamental and a foundational right to every American. The bill today reinstates the protections for religious organizations that every Minnesotan deserves and expects to have,” Sen. Limmer said. “At least 15 religious communities and organizations—Catholics, Muslims, Jews, Evangelical Christians, and others—have expressed their support for the restoration of the religious exemptions. Passing this amendment and the bill today secures in law the right we all have under the Constitution.”

“This statutory exemption contained in the amendment puts our statutory framework with religious exemptions in the Human Rights Act back in line and consistent with the U.S. and Minnesota Constitutions. It outlines a broad array of activities by faith organizations that are exempt from claims of discrimination,” Sen. Michael Kreun (R- Blaine) said. “We passed this amendment so religious organizations have predictability and clarity regarding what they may do with regard to employment, education, and use of their facilities to live out their faith and not face unexpected and costly claims of discrimination. I’m relieved we were able to restore our Constitutional protections and religious liberties back into our Human Rights Act.”

“This is a good day for our brothers and sisters in faith,” Senate Minority Leader Mark Johnson (R- East Grand Forks) said. “I appreciate the good faith negotiating and efforts from Democrats and religious organizations to restore in law the protections that are enshrined in the United States’ and the Minnesota constitution.”

Both the amendment and the final bill passed with unanimous support.

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