Minnesota Secular Government Caucus

November Public Meeting

When: Sunday, November 17, 2024.
Where: Rondo Community Library and online.

Rep. Mike Freiberg, Rep. Athena Hollins, and Sen. John Marty

In the Fall of 2022, about two dozen Minnesota State Representatives and
Senators formed the Minnesota Secular Government Caucus (MSGC) to
combat the Christian Nationalist agenda. The caucus is co-chaired by Senator
John Marty, Senator Jen McEwen, Representative Mike Freiberg, and Representative
Athena Hollins.
At our November Public Meeting, one or more of these caucus members will
discuss three bills of particular interest to Minnesota Atheists that will be before
the next session of the Minnesota legislature. (As of this writing, it seems
likely that Rep. Mike Freiberg, Rep. Athena Hollins, and Sen. John Marty will
appear.)

1. The “End-of-Life Option Act.”
   This bill would allow an individual to request medical aid in dying medication,
   provided certain requirements are met. Among those are that the person:

• is at least 18 years of age;
• has a terminal disease with a prognosis of no more than six months to
  live;
• is determined to be mentally capable as defined in statute; and
• is not subject to guardianship or conservatorship.

2. The “Minnesota Recovery Options Act.”
   From American Atheists: “This bill would ensure that, when Minnesotans are required by the state to receive treatment for substance use disorders, they can receive appropriate treatment without religious coercion. Under current Minnesota law, individuals in the criminal legal system can be required to participate in religious treatment programs that conflict with their beliefs, which is unconstitutional and can hinder successful treatment. Passing HF 3486/SF 3459 will improve access to appropriate substance use disorder treatment, while protecting every Minnesotan’s right to religious freedom. We urge you to pass this critical measure to protect the health, well-being, and civil rights of Minnesotans.”
3. The challenge to the Postsecondary Enrollment Options (PSEO) program.
   This program allows high school students to enroll in courses at a college or university and earn both high school and college credit. There is no charge to the student; the tuition is paid by the state. A student may even take classes at a religious school. Current law states that schools “must not require a faith statement from a secondary student [in the PSEO program] seeking to enroll,” which the schools require of their regular college students. Public funds should not be used to discriminate against students on the basis of religion. However, two Christian colleges have filed a lawsuit arguing that the new restriction is unconstitutional, under the free exercise clause of the First Amendment. The MSGC is among the principal parties defending the law.