In a heated session at the Minnesota State Capitol, State Representative Leigh Finke, the first openly transgender legislator in the state, presented a controversial stance on a proposed bill that would implement age verification for websites featuring content deemed harmful to minors. The bill, House File 1434, introduced by Republican Rep. Ben Bakeberg, aims to protect youth from explicit online material by requiring verification on sites where a significant portion of content is sexually explicit.
Finke’s opposition was fervent. She argued that restricting access to such materials could hinder queer children from obtaining information that she claims may be educational. “There is a need to ensure the bill does not prohibit content designed for those under 18 to educate them about themselves,” she asserted, pushing back against the bill’s intent to shield minors. Finke characterized the act of blocking such material as potentially harmful, countering that queer children should have access to resources that help them understand their identity and community.
The supporters of the bill, including Renee Carlson from True North Legal, emphasized the necessity of protecting children from what they described as a “predatory industry.” Carlson referenced the Supreme Court decision in Free Speech Coalition v. Paxton, arguing that the age verification requirement aligns with constitutional safeguards while prioritizing child safety. The bill grants the Attorney General the authority to enforce compliance and empowers parents to initiate lawsuits against noncompliant websites, a measure aimed at deterring exposure to explicit content.
Finke’s statements quickly garnered attention online, with footage of her arguing that access to adult content could serve as a learning tool for queer youth sparking significant backlash. Critics expressed outrage, calling her stance “creepy,” and describing her views as unsettling amid the ongoing legislative battle about children’s access to explicit material.
This hearing wasn’t Finke’s first encounter with controversy. In 2023, she faced backlash for a legislative proposal that removed specific language excluding pedophilia from discrimination protections, which was interpreted by many as a normalization of inappropriate behavior. Finke defended that change, claiming that the criticism arose from anti-trans sentiment rather than any legitimate concerns regarding child safety.
Her continued advocacy against federal regulations governing sex change procedures and hormone therapies for minors has solidified her position as a polarizing figure in Minnesota politics. Despite the criticism and concerns surrounding her statements, Finke remains a loud voice in legislative discussions pertinent to children’s welfare and LGBTQ issues. As these debates progress, the implications of her arguments and the proposed legislation will likely resonate beyond the Capitol, shaping ongoing conversations about child safety, education, and access to information in an increasingly digital world.
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