 Dear Neighbors,
From my family to yours, Happy Easter! I hope you?re able to take time to reflect on the meaning of Easter and spend time with loved ones this weekend.
The legislature is on its annual Easter break and will be returning on Tuesday afternoon for the final month and a half of this year?s legislative session. There are many issues that will continue to be talked about here in St. Paul including issues related to public safety and religious liberty.
On Wednesday, I was a guest on Twin Cities Public Television?s Almanac at the Capitol where I spoke about several public safety matters that have been moving through the legislature. It was a good conversation, unfortunately, since it is a live program, our discussion was cut short.
I recorded a brief video from the capitol rotunda after the interview where I shared some of my concerns about the crisis impacting law enforcement recruitment and retention here in Minnesota.?Click here?or the photo below to watch.
On the religious liberty front, we continue to fight for the restoration of a religious exemption to portions of the Minnesota Human Rights Act (MHRA). This has been an ongoing issue due to changes made in state law related to gender identity by Democrats last year. Beginning in 1993, the MHRA included an exemption for religious organizations including churches, synagogues, and faith-based schools to, among other things, hire teachers and ministers consistent with their mission and values.
That exemption, as it relates to gender identity, no longer exists.
Leaders from various religions have made it clear that this must be fixed to protect religious liberty in our state. House Republicans have made efforts in committee, on the House Floor, and through news conferences to not only fix this issue but to also raise awareness.
Stay tuned to this as we continue our fight to protect the First Amendment.
Staying in Touch
Don't hesitate to contact me if you have any questions, concerns, or ideas on ways to improve state government. I can be reached by phone at 651-296-4237 or via email at?[email protected].?
Happy Easter!
Paul
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