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REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION Date: February 8, 2021 Item No.: 9.g Department Approval City Manager Approval Item Description:Approve Resolution Supporting an Amendment to the Minnesota Constitution that provides equal protection under the law regardless of gender 1 B ACKGROUND 2 In 1973, the State of Minnesota ratified an amendment to the U.S. Constitution (known as the Equal 3 Rights Amendment \[ERA\]) that stated that men and women shall have equal protection under the law. 4 The ERA amendment was never ratified by enough states to amend the U.S. Constitution. Last session, 5 SF 3108 was introduced that would amend the Minnesota Constitution after approval by voters in a 6 statewide referendum that asked: “Shall the Minnesota Constitution be amended to provide that 7 equality under the law must not be abridged or denied on account of sex”. It is expected a similar bill 8 will be introduced this session. 9 10 On January 25, the City Council discussed adding support of this issue to its 2021 Legislative Priorities. As 11 part of that discussion, the Council indicated support of passing a resolution of support for passage of an 12 amendment to the Minnesota Constitution that created equality under the law regardless of gender. 13 14 P OLICY O BJETIVE 15 Passage of a resolution support for equality under the law regardless of gender is consistent with the 16 City’s Inclusion and Respect Statement that reads as follows: 17 18 The City of Roseville strives to be a welcoming and inclusive place for all. We are committed to 19 promoting respectful conduct, equitable service, and diversity in our community. We condemn 20 discrimination by or against residents, visitors, workers, city employees or city businesses. In all that 21 we do as a City government, we pledge to treat everyone fairly, respectfully, and without bias, 22 regardless of their color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, marital status, familial status, 23 immigration status, sexual orientation, age, income, or disability. 24 F INANCIAL I MPACTS 25 None. 26 S TAFF R ECOMMENDATION 27 Staff recommends approving a resolution supporting an amendment to the Minnesota Constitution that 28 creates equality under the law regardless of gender. 29 R EQUESTED C OUNCIL A CTION 30 Motion to approving a resolution a resolution supporting an amendment to the Minnesota Constitution 31 that creates equality under the law regardless of gender. Page 1 of 2