A sixteen member task force was charged with examining the quality of life of Minnesota gays and lesbians and, if necessary, recommend ways to improve it.

The group was made up of both men and women from a variety of racial and occupational backgrounds and included gays, lesbians and heterosexuals. Because the task force concluded that gays and lesbians are still a target for widespread discrimination throughout the state one primary recommendation calls for the inclusion of sexual orientation in the state Human Rights Act. Task force members said while testimony wasn’t unanimous, an underlying theme at hearings and briefings was the need for legal protection. The last time such a bill was introduced was in 1983 when it was defeated by a handful of votes. The task force is also recommending that the state sodomy law be repealed. The group says the law represents an intrusion into privacy, can only be erratically enforced, and makes an improper connection between criminality and homosexuality. Another recommendation to establish an ongoing commission to continue the work begun by the task force has already been approved by Governor Carlson. Task force members say Carlson has re-appointed every one of them to serve on that commission.