Minnesota Equal Rights Amendment: YWCA Minneapolis CEO Speaks to Enshrine Equity into State Constitution
YWCA Minneapolis President and CEO Shelley Carthen Watson and equal rights champions from more than a dozen organizations urged lawmakers to swiftly pass the Equal Rights Amendment, allowing Minnesotans to vote to add equity to the state constitution. The remarks were part of Forward Together: Rally for Equal Rights at the State Capitol on Jan. 14, 2025.
“It is our mission that drives us to stand with all of you, all of our partners today, in support of the Minnesota Equal Rights Amendment,” Carthen Watson said. “As a leader in racial and gender equity, we empower communities to protect reproductive freedom, stand against race and gender discrimination and promote justice for all people.”
She added that the amendment is key to laying the foundation for a better future for all Minnesotans — an equitable, inclusive future that fosters belonging and well-being for all members of our community.
What is the Minnesota Equal Rights Amendment?
The opening section of the proposed Minnesota Equal Rights Amendment 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 race, color, national origin, ancestry, disability, or sex including but not limited to pregnancy, pregnancy outcomes, and reproductive freedom, gender identity or gender expression, or sexual orientation.
The Minnesota Constitution reflects who we are as a state. Shifting political tides can repeal, change or undermine laws. A constitutional amendment is the strongest, most lasting way to protect our rights.
YWCA Minneapolis Vice President of Racial Justice and Public Policy Crystal Fairchild notes how the Minnesota Equal Rights Amendment empowers Minnesotans to be national civil rights leaders.
“From our earliest days, when we were one of the few states to extend voting rights to Blacks before the 15th amendment, Minnesota has been on the forefront of civil rights,” Fairchild said. “Together, we can ensure Minnesota remains a beacon for civil rights and equality, empowering every community member to thrive.”
Why Does YWCA Minneapolis Support the Minnesota Equal Rights Amendment?
At YWCA Minneapolis, we promote public policy solutions to institutional racism and sexism focused on high-quality early education and economic empowerment.
We support the Minnesota Equal Rights Amendment because it enshrines equity and inclusion into the state constitution, providing lasting protection for all Minnesotans.
“Recent court decisions, actual and threatened legislative action and the election results in November have made clear that our rights are tenuous at best,” Carthen Watson said. “And that is why the Minnesota Equal Rights Amendment is so important. Only by that amendment can we guarantee rights for all Minnesotans, both now and in the future.”
Related: Learn more about YWCA Minneapolis Racial Justice and Public Policy Work
What Happens if Elected Officials Pass the Minnesota Equal Rights Amendment?
Once the Senate and House pass and agree on the final amendment language, a question asking voters whether they want to amend the Constitution will appear on a statewide ballot. The question will appear on the November 2026 ballot if the amendment passes swiftly.
A majority of voters (55%) must vote YES on the ballot amendment for it to pass. If a voter does not mark Yes or No, it is counted as a No vote.
How Can I Support the Minnesota Equal Rights Amendment?
We are proud to work with Gender Justice to support the Minnesota Equal Rights Amendment. Gender Justice envisions a world where everyone can thrive regardless of gender, gender expression or sexual orientation. Step by step, they’re creating that world by dismantling legal, structural and cultural barriers that contribute to gender inequity.
Together, we support ERA Minnesota, an all-volunteer organization working to make equal rights for all a reality in Minnesota and the United States of America. The organization suggests several ways to take action:
Contact Your Legislators - call, email, write to or visit your state senator and representative to ask them to pass the Equal Rights Amendment bill in Minnesota.
Write a Letter to the Editor – contact the editor of your favorite news source explaining why you support an Equal Rights Amendment in Minnesota to advocate for legislators to pass the bill.
Become an Ally - ask organizations you are involved with to publicly support the ERA by joining our network of allies.
“By enshrining these protections in our state constitution, we can ensure that equal rights and protections will endure no matter who is in office or how the political landscape evolves,” Carthen Watson said. “We have worked too hard and come too far to have these fundamental rights be subject to capricious political winds.”