Latest news with #OutFrontMinnesota
CBS News
10 hours ago
- Health
- CBS News
SCOTUS ruling will bring more people to Minnesota for gender-affirming care, advocates say
In a landmark decision on Wednesday, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld a Tennessee law restricting medical treatments — like puberty blockers and hormone therapy — for transgender minors. Twenty-six other states have laws with similar restrictions to Tennessee. With this latest news, LGBTQ+ advocates say they expect to see more people traveling to Minnesota, and even moving to Minnesota to seek gender-affirming care. "We are seeing a just plethoria of folks moving here to Minnesota just to get basic human care," said Andi Otto, executive director of Twin Cities Pride. House Republicans in Minnesota introduced a similar bill this past session banning gender-affirming care, but it didn't make it out of committee. While advocates say there's fear Minnesota could see similar restrictions, Otto said Minnesota's 2023 trans refuge bill gives him reassurance. "I continue to have faith in our legislators and our government to make those decisions and keep Minnesota exactly what it's supposed to be, and that's a state that you're free to be yourself," Otto said. Also on Wednesday, it was also announced the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline would no longer connect those in need of help to the Trevor Project, which helps LGBTQ+ individuals in crisis. "It's really tragic to have these two decisions come on the same day," said Kat Rohn, executive director for OutFront Minnesota. "To see that actually enacted and moved forward is a really hurtful blow to kids who need all the support they can get." Otto said the timing of this announcement during Pride Month is not a coincidence.
CBS News
18-03-2025
- Politics
- CBS News
Violence interrupter contracts withdrawn in Minneapolis after alleged threats and gun charges
An outspoken Minneapolis pastor has had his violence prevention contract pulled. The move comes after council members said the pastor threatened them, and one of his team members ended up behind bars. "He's not homophobic. We helped pass the marriage amendment," said longtime Minneapolis activist Al Flowers, regarding Rev. Jerry McAfee. Flowers shouted down community groups who were speaking out against violence prevention contract work, which was set to be awarded to McAfee's nonprofit Salem Inc., during a city council meeting Monday afternoon. Last month, McAfee interrupted a Minneapolis city council meeting on violence prevention programs. Councilmembers said McAfee became threatening. "When you have individuals who are making threats, using homophobic language and addressing the council in ways that are not acceptable for this space, it raises concerns," said Kat Rohn, executive director of OutFront Minnesota. "Shame on Reverend McAfee, shame on Commissioner Barnette, shame on Mayor Frey. Minneapolis deserves real leadership, real accountability," said Minneapolis activist Marvina Haynes. Minneapolis' Office of Community Safety (OCS) announced Monday that all Minneapolis contracts for violence interruption services, including McAfee's, would be pulled from the agenda. Officials did not explain why. "We anticipate submitting a new request for Council Action for consideration by the Committee of the Whole on Tuesday, March 25 that will not include Salem Inc," said an OCS spokesperson. "I can't say more at this time, as the data is non-public," said Jared Jeffries, chief of staff for OCS. This also comes after a violence interrupter from McAfee's 21 Days of Peace was arrested and charged with reckless discharge of a firearm after he was injured during a shooting. McAfee spoke about the city's decision to withdraw his organization's more than $600,000 contract. "I ain't going nowhere, we ain't going nowhere and everybody's feet will be held to the fire to do the right thing," said McAfee.
