Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz signed a bill “redefining ‘sexual orientation’ to include pedophiles.”
The bill, called the "Take Pride Act," updated the definition of "sexual orientation" and "gender identity" in the Minnesota Human Rights Act. It didn’t include pedophiles in these definitions, nor did it give pedophiles legal protections. Legal experts told PolitiFact that laws prohibiting discrimination because of sexual orientation do not protect pedophiles, even if they do not include that specific disclaimer. In Minnesota, an adult who engages in sexual conduct with a minor can be charged with a first-degree felony, which is punishable by up to 30 years of imprisonment, a fine of up to $40,000 or both.