'You are welcome here': Minnesota passes bill to solidify status as a trans refuge state

Minnesota passed legislation Friday that would make the state as a place of refuge for transgender people, Valley News Live reports.

Per the Minnesota Reformer, the bill "would block other states' laws that are meant to ban or reduce access to gender-affirming care."

Democratic State Rep. Leigh Finke — and Minnesota's first transgender elected official, said, "To all those families across the United States that are afraid and wondering where they can go for help — Minnesota is saying we see you, we love you and you belong here."

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Valley News Live reports Finke further noted, "Right now our community really needs help. Gender-affirming care is healthcare. It is safe, evidence based, developmentally appropriate, and life-saving healthcare."

Despite anti-trans protestors shouting derogatory terms at trans activists ahead of the House session — calling them "groomers and pedophiles," lawmakers proceeded to pass the "life-saving" bill.

House Majority Leader Jamie Long said, "We are going to say 'You are welcome here' today. This is a good day."

Regarding the legislation, Minnestota Reformer reports:

The bill prohibits people from other states from being arrested for giving or receiving gender-affirming care, even if a state has made the care illegal. The legislation also changes state custody statutes to include access to gender-affirming care as a consideration for custody disputes and gives Minnesota courts jurisdiction over some cases.

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Valley News Live's full report is available at this link. Minnesota Reformer's report is here.