MCC evaluates legislative session

The Minnesota Catholic Conference sent the following message out to its Catholic Advocacy Network email list after the close of the state’s legislative session (slightly edited): 

We have reached the end of this legislative session and we, the staff of the Minnesota Catholic Conference, want to extend our heartfelt gratitude for your unwavering support and prayers. Your advocacy has been instrumental in our efforts to promote policies that reflect our Catholic values and uphold the dignity of every human person. 

We are pleased to provide you with a round-up of the legislative issues we’ve been working on this session. We will continue to provide more coverage of session in the coming days and weeks, so please stay tuned to our newsletter and social media platforms. 

Together, let us continue to work toward a just and compassionate society, guided by the teachings of our Lord. 

The Great 

Physician-Assisted Suicide — The bill to legalize PAS, H.F. 1930, was defeated. Despite the legislation receiving four House committee hearings, it was never brought to the floor for a vote nor did the Senate hold a hearing on the bill. Visit our partners at www.EthicalCareMN.org to learn more. 

Gender Identity Religious Exemption — After months of negotiations, religious exemption from claims of gender identity discrimination in the Minnesota Human Rights Act was restored by legislators and signed into law by the governor. MCC is grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with more than 13 other faith organizations to restore the religious exemption. 

ERA — The so-called “Equal Rights Amendment” proposed by gender activist groups that wanted access to abortion up to the moment of birth and gender ideology enshrined in the state constitution. It also excluded protection against religious discrimination. 

Surrogacy — Legislation to establish a formal market for surrogacy in Minnesota was defeated. 

The (Really) Good 

Mobile Sports Gambling — Once again, attempts to legalize mobile sports betting failed at the Legislature. This issue will surely come up again in future legislative sessions. 

Child Tax Credit — The tax credit was updated to establish automatic payments to low-income families. 

Human Remains — MCC successfully advocated for a full ban on the sale of human remains. 

Insurance Coverage Mandates — Several bills sought to mandate insurance plans to cover abortion and so-called gender-affirming care. While these mandates did become law, important exemptions from the mandates were secured for religious organizations. 

The Bad 

Human composting — The bill to legalize human composting became law. 

Views from Session: The close of the 2024 session brought many late nights and early mornings, working as the church’s witness in the public square. Thank you for your prayers and words of encouragement!