At a time when so many political officials seem to be backing anti-LGBTQ+ measures, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz is doing just the opposite.
On March 8, Walz signed an executive order protecting the rights of LGBTQ+ people from Minnesota and other states to receive gender-affirming healthcare, media outlets reported.
In Executive Order 23-03, Walz stated, "All Minnesotans have the right to be free from discrimination, including discrimination on the basis of gender identity and gender expression. Minnesota strives to be a welcoming and supportive place for LGBTQIA+ community members.
"Throughout the course of their lives, transgender, gender-diverse, non-binary and genderqueer individuals may decide to seek gender-affirming healthcare services. This deeply personal decision is made with the guidance of medical professionals. … The availability of gender-affirming healthcare services is essential to the health and wellness of LGBTQIA+ community members, and is supported by numerous major professional associations."
Advocates for LGBTQ rights say Republican-led states across the country are trying to erase the legal existence of people who are trans and to restrict the expression of those who are non-binary, gender-fluid or who perform in drag. According to the Human Rights Campaign, more than 150 bills targeting trans rights have been introduced in other states, USA Today noted.
The entire order can be read at mn.gov/governor/assets/EO%2023-03%20Signed%20and%20filed_tcm1055-568332.pdf .
—Andrew Davis
