HF1655 Summary

• Creates a separate statutory definition of "gender identity" as a person's inherent sense of being a man, woman, both, or neither, which may or may not correspond to assigned sex at birth or sex characteristics.

• Adds "gender identity" as a protected class throughout Minnesota's Human Rights Act in employment, housing, public accommodations, education, credit, and business discrimination provisions.

• Removes strikethrough text from the definition of "sexual orientation" that referenced self-image or identity not traditionally associated with biological sex, separating gender identity as its own distinct protected category.

• Repeals Minnesota Statutes sections 363A.20, subdivision 3 (exemption for nonpublic youth service organizations based on sexual orientation) and 363A.27 (construction of law provision stating the chapter does not condone homosexuality or authorize same-sex marriage recognition).

• Extends discrimination protections based on gender identity to appraisers, healthcare license holders, real estate transactions, educational institutions, and other sectors regulated under state human rights law.