The 2020 presidential election might seem like a distant memory, but the impact of those who were elected and the policies they put into place continues to be felt. One example of this is the recent passing of the “trans refuge bill” in Minnesota, which has raised concerns about due process and the protection of individual rights. In a recent interview with Megyn Kelly, attorney Emily Compagno shared her insights on how this bill could have a detrimental effect on everyone’s rights, regardless of their political beliefs.
Compagno, a former federal attorney, began by expaining how the “trans refuge bill” was fast-tracked through the legislative process, without proper consideration of its potential consequences. She stated, “It was attached as an amendment and it’s a bill that dramatically expands the protections for those who are transgender in Minnesota.”
The attorney went on to detail how this bill could have far-reaching implications for the state. She explained, “It addresses discrimination in housing, in employment, in education and those are certainly sensitive areas that deserve consideration, but the language that was used to define what it means to be ‘trans’ was woefully inadequate.”
Compagno then expressed her concerns about the lack of due process in the passing of this bill. She stated, “What we saw in the process of passing this bill is that due process was completely shut down. There were no committee hearings, there were no cross-examinations, there was no opportunity for a rigorous and thorough debate on the language.”
The attorney also emphasized the potential consequences of such a bill on the rights of all individuals, regardless of their political beliefs. She said, “This ought to concern everyone because it’s not about whether you’re on the right or on the left or what your personal beliefs are, it’s about the precedent that it sets for the further erosion of due process and the protection of individual rights.”
When asked about the specific language that was concerning, Compagno clarified that the bill uses a broad definition of gender identity, which could lead to situations where someone could change their gender identity multiple times without any repercussions. She stated, “This bill, the way it’s drafted, you could change your gender identity notation race tomorrow, it’s such a broad definition and it’s ripe for abuse.”
Compagno also highlighted the potential impact this bill could have on the medical community. She stated, “There’s potential for medical providers to be silenced as a result of this bill. If they misgender someone or if they refuse to offer a treatment that is based on a gender identity that is constantly shifting, they could be subject to discrimination complaints.”
Compagno stressed the importance of due process and rigorous debate in the legislative process. She warned against “knee-jerk reactions” and emphasized the need for careful consideration of the potential implications of such bills. As we move forward, it is important for all individuals to be aware of their rights and to speak out against legislation that could infringe upon them.
Source: SilverCircular
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