Democratic representatives in the state of Minnesota have introduced a highly controversial piece of legislation that may eliminate the exclusion of pedophilia from legal protections of sexual orientation. Although the state’s existing anti-discrimination law currently excludes sexual attraction to children from legally protected sexual orientations, the proposed bill, called HF 1655, aims to remove this exclusion by removing certain sections in the human rights act that allow for discrimination based on sexual orientation.

The phrase “‘sexual orientation’ does not include a physical or sexual attachment to children by an adult” would be removed from the legal definition of sexual orientation if the bill is passed. Sexual orientation is a legal term that provides protection against discrimination in various areas like employment, housing, public accommodations, public service, educational institutions, credit, and business discrimination.

Furthermore, the bill also intends to create a new legal definition for gender identity, stating that it may not match one’s biological sex and may not be apparent to others. Leigh Finke, a transgender activist who is listed as one of the bill’s authors, has openly criticized legal restrictions on child sex changes.

The proposed legislation has stirred intense public debate and backlash, with some accusing the legislators behind the bill of promoting pedophilia, while others believe the bill merely seeks to update outdated language in the current law. Despite Leigh Finke’s claim that the bill has received unanimous consent and does not change much about sexual orientation, many believe that the elimination of the exclusion of pedophilia could have far-reaching consequences and potentially harm children.

The issue has sparked heated conversation, with many criticizing the bill for undermining the protection of minors while also amplifying the criticism of trans individuals. Leigh Finke has received death threats and severe backlash on social media for her involvement in the legislation. But how should we treat people who endorse this sort of perverse behavior?