On February 22, 2026, Minnesota made a significant stride in protecting civil rights with the passing of a new piece of legislation aimed at combating discrimination and promoting equality within the state. The bill, titled the Minnesota Civil Rights Act of 2026, was signed into law by Governor Lisa Thompson in a ceremony held at the State Capitol.The Minnesota Civil Rights Act of 2026 is a comprehensive piece of legislation that expands existing civil rights protections and introduces new measures to address discrimination in various aspects of life. The act prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, age, and marital status in areas such as housing, employment, education, and public accommodations.One of the key provisions of the act is the establishment of a new enforcement agency, the Minnesota Civil Rights Enforcement Agency, which will be responsible for investigating and prosecuting cases of discrimination, as well as providing support to victims of discrimination. The agency will also be tasked with conducting outreach and education programs to raise awareness about civil rights issues and promote diversity and inclusion within the state.In addition to creating the new enforcement agency, the act also includes provisions for enhanced penalties for perpetrators of discrimination, as well as measures to ensure that victims of discrimination have access to legal representation and resources to pursue justice.The passing of the Minnesota Civil Rights Act of 2026 has been hailed as a landmark moment in the state's history, with advocates and lawmakers alike praising the legislation as a crucial step towards ensuring equal rights and opportunities for all Minnesotans. Governor Thompson, in her remarks at the signing ceremony, emphasized the importance of upholding the principles of equality and fairness in all aspects of society."This legislation represents a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to promote civil rights and combat discrimination in Minnesota," said Governor Thompson. "I am proud to sign this bill into law and reaffirm our commitment to upholding the values of equality and justice for all our residents."The Minnesota Civil Rights Act of 2026 is set to go into effect immediately, with the enforcement agency expected to begin operations in the coming months. Supporters of the legislation are hopeful that it will serve as a powerful tool in the fight against discrimination and help to create a more inclusive and welcoming environment for all Minnesotans.