Candidates clash over Minnesota Equal Rights Amendment and related protections

Julie Kelzer said she supports the Minnesota Equal Rights Amendment, telling the audience, "everyone should have equal rights. We shouldn't have to be walking around living in fear over what we believe or what we wear or how we act." She framed the amendment as a protection for equal treatment.

Glenn Gruenhagen said he opposes the amendment "not as drafted," arguing it would include gender identity and gender expression and saying some staff believe it would "mandate abortion right up to the moment of birth." He said he believes in human rights and equality but called the current drafting problematic, asserted he had offered an amendment he described as prohibiting certain treatments for minors, and said the DFL voted down that amendment.

The exchange reflects broader statewide debate: Kelzer framed the amendment as a civil-rights measure; Gruenhagen raised concerns about specific provisions and potential effects on women's sports and medical treatments for minors. No legal text or staff analysis was presented during the forum; the candidates offered personal interpretations and policy positions.