Minneapolis enshrines protections for 2SLGBTQIA+ residents, updates gendered language in code

Minneapolis City Council adopted the final two items of a Pride policy package on June 25 that add explicit protections and updated construction‑rule language to the city code.

The ordinances establish city‑code language declaring Minneapolis a safe haven for gender‑affirming and intersex care and direct city staff not to share or accept data or funding that would curtail those rights. The package also updates rules of construction in the code so gendered references are interpreted inclusively.

"Trans lives matter, and trans people will always be here forever," Council Member Chavez said during debate, underscoring the measure's symbolic and practical aims. Co‑authors and community advocates said the changes protect residents from state and federal actions that could seek to limit care or use municipal resources to enforce restrictions.

Council Member Chughtai, a co‑author, noted the package also requires gender‑neutral signage on single‑user restrooms and ADA‑accessible, all‑gender facilities in city‑owned and leased buildings.

Both pieces passed with recorded roll calls of 11 ayes. Authors said the ordinances create a legal floor of protections and that additional work will follow to ensure implementation across departments and city properties.