Senator Andrew Mathews (R- Princeton) yesterday supported a Republican amendment to the 2024 Minnesota Human Rights bill containing language that reinstates religious liberty protections that were removed by Senate Democrats last year.

“Religious liberty remains a core, fundamental right for all Americans. With today’s bill, we reinforce the protections that Minnesotans of faith rightly deserve and expect,” Senator Mathews said. “By passing this legislation, we ensure all religious communities in our state retain the religious liberties found in our Constitution.”

This change will ensure Minnesota’s statutory framework with religious exemptions in the Human Rights Act is consistent with the United States and Minnesota Constitutions.  It will provide religious organizations clarity in the law to abide by their faith without facing unexpected and costly discrimination claims.

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