I'm writing as a Catholic and your constituent to strongly oppose the so-called “Equal Rights Amendment.” This amendment would enable discrimination against women by prioritizing "gender identity or expression" over biological sex. By elevating subjective identity over biological determinants, this amendment threatens the safety and progress of women. It could permit men to enter women's spaces and activities under the guise of inclusion, reversing years of hard-won strides toward women's equality. Voting for this amendment could have serious consequences for women, including: - Allowing more biological men in women's shelters and prisons - Allowing boys to compete on girls' sports teams in greater numbers - Forcing girls and women to share intimate facilities with males who identify as female This amendment undermines the rights and safety of women and must be opposed. Thank you for your attention to this critical issue.

I'm reaching out as both a Catholic and a constituent to firmly oppose the proposed “Equal Rights Amendment.” It threatens child well-being, could strip away parental rights, and attacks the conscience rights and religious protections of Minnesotans. It is vital to safeguard the rights of individuals, families, and faith communities to live according to their faith without fear of discrimination or coercion. This amendment puts these freedoms at risk. The new proposed language by ERA MN reads: "All persons shall be guaranteed equal rights under the laws of this state. The state shall not discriminate against any person in intent or effect on account of one or more of the following: race; color; national origin; ancestry; disability; or sex, including but not limited to: making and effectuating decisions about all matters relating to one's own pregnancy or decision whether to become or remain pregnant; gender identity or gender expression; or sexual orientation." Did you notice that this does not include the protection of people based on their “creed” or “religion"? Do you support leaving people of faith open to discrimination? Did you know the Minnesota Constitution, as well as state and federal law, already commands that all persons must receive equal protection of the laws? Why is this ERA needed, other than to harm people of faith? Do you believe that churches, mosques, synagogues, and faith-based schools have the right to hire their teachers and ministers according to their own mission and values? Do you think it is okay for the state to dictate to all people what it can believe about gender identity under penalty of law? Did you know that this ERA allows for the removal of children from their parents’ home by court order to receive harmful “gender-affirming” care? I respectfully urge you to oppose this erosion of rights.

As a constituent and a Catholic, I share my strong opposition to the proposed ERA to the state constitution that threatens to institutionalize discrimination against women and people of faith. The new proposed language according to ERA Minnesota states: "All persons shall be guaranteed equal rights under the laws of this state. The state shall not discriminate against any person in intent or effect on account of one or more of the following: race; color; national origin; ancestry; disability; or sex, including but not limited to: making and effectuating decisions about all matters relating to one's own pregnancy or decision whether to become or remain pregnant; gender identity or gender expression; or sexual orientation." It's alarming to note that this new proposed language noticeably eliminates protections based on "religion," leaving people vulnerable to religious discrimination. If this amendment is placed in our Constitution, it could have far-reaching consequences. Protecting Minnesotans from religious discrimination is an important state interest, and this proposed language leaves people more susceptible to religious discrimination, especially in conflicts related to “reproductive freedom,” gender identity, and sexual orientation. If the ERA passes, people of all faiths will be less protected from anti-religious animus. Religious organizations might be compelled to provide coverage for gender transition procedures in their employees' health insurance plans, contravening their deeply held beliefs. Moreover, it could force these organizations to employ individuals whose lifestyles and views are contrary to their mission and faith. This erosion of rights will bring us further from equality for all. I urge you to oppose the ERA amendment in any form.