Gov. Tim Walz defended his state’s designation as a “trans refuge” during a Nov. 13 appearance at the Texas Tribune Festival, saying Minnesota’s state policy allows people to “live the life they want to” — including in shared restrooms.
“We’re a trans refuge state, which basically means people get to live the life they want to,” Walz said. “And you don’t have to worry about it because you never had to worry about it before and it doesn’t matter who’s using the urinal next to you. They’re living their life accordingly.”
The remarks drew backlash online from critics who said Walz was dismissing women’s safety and privacy concerns — including U.S. Rep. Tom Emmer.
“Tampon Tim is bragging about letting any gender use the urinal next to you because Minnesota is a trans refuge state,” Emmer wrote. “This is why he wasted over a billion taxpayer dollars on fraud—he is prioritizing wokeness over actually doing his job.”
Walz: Minnesota is a "trans refuge" state because it "doesn't matter who uses the urinal next to you" pic.twitter.com/Z2JQUcFPOL
— American Experiment (@MNThinkTank) November 19, 2025
Emmer called for repealing Minnesota’s trans refuge law earlier this year after a transgender shooter killed two children and injured dozens more at Annunciation Catholic Church in Minneapolis.
At the time, the Republican congressman accused Gov. Walz and other Democrats of “encouraging this type of confusion” through the 2023 legislation.
Gov. Walz’s appearance at the Texas Tribune Festival also featured a comment in which he described Minnesota’s old state flag as “racist.” Walz signed legislation in 2023 to establish a commission that designed a new state flag.
Gov. Walz calls Minnesota's old state flag "racist" pic.twitter.com/Y2rdbXNfCL
— Alpha News (@AlphaNews) November 14, 2025
Minnesota’s ‘trans refuge’ law at issue
The governor’s comments referenced Minnesota’s 2023 “trans refuge law,” which makes the state a sanctuary for transgender individuals and families seeking “gender-affirming care” amid restrictions in other states.
The law, signed in April 2023, ensures minors can obtain puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones and surgical interventions in the state. It shields individuals from being subpoenaed or extradited for violating another state’s laws against so-called gender-affirming care.
Supporters argue the measure protects vulnerable youth and families. Critics say it undermines parental rights and enables irreversible medical decisions for minors — a debate that has only intensified in recent years.
Alpha News reached out to Gov. Walz’s office for comment but did not receive a response.
Jenna Gloeb
Jenna Gloeb is an Edward R. Murrow Award-winning journalist, media producer, public speaker, and screenwriter. Most recently, she worked as a reporter and on-air host for CCX Media. Jenna is a Minnesota native and resides in the Twin Cities with her husband, son, daughter, and two dogs.
