It wasn't until 2001 that the state of Minnesota officially decriminalized homosexuality. Minnesota Public Radio has been covering the long-running debate over the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people in Minnesota for decades. From the end of the 19th century to this day, LGBT Midwesterners have received a warmer reception in the Twin Cities than in other parts of the state, and for this reason Minneapolis is often called “The San Francisco of the Midwest.”
October 15, 1973 - Connie Goldman report of a day-long seminar on the elimination of sex bias in education.
October 17, 1973 - Anderson details steps to deal with the energy crisis and fuel shortage in Minnesota and the nation. He says conservation measures and sacrifices are needed, as well as national leadership for state cooperation. He talks about labor unions vs. environmentalists, citing Reserve Mining as an example of resolved conflict. Finally he discusses women?s role in politics, discrimination, and says a larger pool of women with law training is needed.
May 13, 1974 - MPR’s Connie Goldman profiles newly formed organization Minnesota Committee for Gay Rights. Report includes comments from visiting guests and Allan Spear, a co-chair of group, about purpose and goals of organization.
May 13, 1974 - State Senator Spear talks about the formation of the Minnesota Committee for Gay Rights, a broad-based movement for gay rights in Minnesota, to bring gay rights into the mainstream of the human rights movement. The goal is to achieve full equality for gay people and rights in Minnesota, change the law, public attitude, educate people, politicize, and create a better life in Minnesota for gay people.
July 10, 1974 - MPR’s Sam Ford reports on the battle over proposed ordinance being reviewed by St. Paul City Council. The ordinance (commonly referred to as the “Gay Rights” ordinance) would ban discrimination because of affectional or sexual preference. Ford highlights two differing views towards ordinance…the opposition of St. Paul Firefighters Local 21 and support from the Minnesota Committee for Gay Rights.
January 6, 1975 - Spear talks about the need to make a distinction between moral and non-moral issues in making legislative decisions. He says a legislator is supposed to represent independent judgment, particularly in cases of human rights issues. He speaks about voting for gay rights in the legislature, gays holding public office, and why he makes a public statment on being gay.
March 31, 1975 - MPR’s Dulcie Lawrence reports on debate of gay rights bill being discussed in Minnesota judiciary subcommittee. Lawrence presents opposing views regarding bill from John Markert, attorney from Minnesota Catholic conference, and Tim Campbell, a gay educational consultant.
March 31, 1975 - This bill has had almost universal support from civil rights and humanist organizations. In fact the only voice raised in lukewarm opposition was John Markin, attorney from the Minnesota Catholic Conference.
May 6, 1975 - Reporter Dulcie Lawrence outlines the Minnesota legislative agenda for the day, focusing on the Judiciary Committee (dealing with bills on discrimination, prostitution, and cattle rustling) and the Senate Labor and Commerce Committee (dealing with workman's comp., Oleo, and minimum wage). Included is a discussion regarding the timetable for the Senate's Omnibus Tax Bill.
May 6, 1975 - Opponents to the Minnesota state legislature's gay rights speak out. The bill passed, despite the dissenting opinion. Featured are quotes and spoken testimony as to why some believed the bill is not in line with previous civil rights efforts in the country.