The Republican Party of Minnesota says the repeal of Minnesota’s “trans refuge” law “demands urgent attention” from state lawmakers this legislative session.
The 2026 legislative session kicked off Tuesday and many of the policy debates are expected to focus on fraud, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and gun control.
However, Minnesota GOP Chair Alex Plecash believes repealing the trans refuge statute that was passed by the DFL trifecta in 2023 also deserves the attention of legislators.
“Instead of prioritizing housing affordability or making our streets safer, Democrats chose to make Minnesota a sanctuary for controversial medical procedures involving minors and to double down on policies that many parents believe undermine fairness in girls’ athletics,” said Plecash.
The Republican chair noted that medical authorities across the country and internationally are “re-examining youth gender transition protocols due to limited long-term evidence and the irreversible nature of certain procedures.”
Additionally, a detransitioner recently won a landmark $2 million malpractice case in New York against the doctors who allowed her double mastectomy at the age of 16.
Among other things, Minnesota’s trans refuge law makes it easier for inter-state child custody disputes to be decided in Minnesota if so-called “gender-affirming health care” is a factor in the case. Additionally, the law shields individuals from being subpoenaed or extradited for violating another state’s laws against “gender-affirming health care.”
“This session, Minnesotans deserve leadership that responds to common sense and bipartisan concern,” Plecash explained.
“That starts with ending Minnesota’s ‘trans refuge’ policies, restoring fairness in girls’ sports, reinforcing parental rights, and ensuring minors are protected from irreversible medical decisions.”
Plecash also called on U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar, who is running for governor, to make her position on the issue clear. Alpha News reached out to Klobuchar’s campaign for comment but did not immediately receive a response.
“As the most prominent Democrat in Minnesota, Senator Amy Klobuchar has influence over the direction of her party. If she wants to lead this state as governor, she should answer clearly: Would she support repealing Minnesota’s trans refuge law? Or will she once again fall in line with Washington party leadership?” Plecash said. “The DFL has the votes to reverse course this session. Minnesotans deserve a clear answer.”
Anthony Gockowski
Anthony Gockowski is Editor-in-Chief of Alpha News. He previously worked as an editor for The Minnesota Sun and Campus Reform, and wrote for the Daily Caller.
