ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Democrat-controlled Minnesota Senate has passed an “abortion refuge” bill that aims to shield patients and providers from legal action in other states if they travel to Minnesota for the procedure.
Deephaven Democrat Kelly Morrison said action needed to be taken. She’s concerned states where abortion is illegal will come to Minnesota, following patients and preventing them from having the procedure.
“These people have intentionally violated the rules and laws where they are, but we’re saying in Minnesota, we’re willing to overlook that,” Park Rapids Republican Paul Utke said.
The bill now goes back to the House and then to the desk of Gov. Tim Walz who is expected to sign it.
Following the lead of the Minnesota House, the Senate also approved a ban on conversion therapy for minors and vulnerable adults. The practice seeks to change a person’s sexual orientation to heterosexuality.
The Senate also passed a bill designed to protect transgender people, their families and medical providers from legal action by other states, if they come to Minnesota for what’s termed gender-affirming care.
Both measures have already passed the Minnesota House and it’s expected that Walz will sign them.
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