A bill that would bar transgender and gender non-conforming Minnesotans from using the restroom in public places, schools, and places of employment will receive a hearing on Tuesday in the House Civil Law and Data Practices Committee beginning at 8:15am. The bill was previously scheduled for a vote on March 31, but the bill was pulled off the agenda prior to the meeting.

HF3396 is a bill that targets Minnesota’s longstanding ban on discrimination based on gender identity, enacted in 1993. It would block gender-inclusive policies at school districts and local municipalities and force transgender people to use a restroom that does not correspond to their gender — putting many transgender people at risk for discrimination and violence, according to research at UCLA’s Williams Institute.

The Minnesota Family Council, a right-wing Christian group that got its start defending laws that imprisoned LGBTQ people, is rallying its supporters to the hearing. In an email to supporters on Saturday, the group outlined its strategy to pack the hearing room with opponents of LGBTQ equality and tips on what to write on signs:

No vote will be taken, however committee members and media notice how many individuals arrive in support of and opposition to the bill. Please join us in demonstrating SUPPORT of H.F. 3396 via your peaceful presence. It communicates to committee members that the privacy and protection of women and girls in private places like restrooms, locker rooms, and changing rooms, is important to Minnesotans.

Your early arrival and attendance is most important, however you can bring small signs with you if you want. Please carefully choose winsome words. Some suggested phrases are below:

H.F. 3396 protects women and girls
Protect the privacy of women and girls
H.F. 3396 maintains privacy & prevents exploitation
Protecting the privacy and safety of women and girls just makes sense
Don’t leave the door open for sexual exploitation – Support H.F. 3396!
H.F. 3396 = Bathrooms R 4 Biological Needs

OutFront Minnesota is rallying supporters of LGBTQ equality. In post to Facebook on Friday, the group wrote:

Champions of LGBTQ justice – we need to rally at the Capitol twice next week. On Tuesday, April 12th, the Civil Law and Data Practices Committee will have an informational hearing about the bill to discriminate against trans Minnesotans (HS3396). The committee will not vote on this horrible legislation, but we should show up and take a stand for trans equity in our state. The hearing is from 8:15 AM to 10:00 AM in the Basement Room of the State Office Building. We have stickers and signs all ready to hand out to supporters. We will see you there!
We also need you on Thursday, April 14th for this year’s LGBTQ Lobby Day. Register today and plan to rally, meet with your legislators and meet amazing people.

Here’s the posted notice about the hearing:

Chair: Rep. Peggy Scott
Meeting:
Tuesday, April 12, 2016
8:15 AM to 10:00 AM
Basement State Office Building

Agenda:
I. Call To Order
II. Roll Call
III. Approval of Minutes
IV. HF3396 (Gruenhagen)
Human Rights Act provisions governing gender specific accommodations clarified.
HF 2371 (Murphy, M) Claims provisions updated.
V. Adjournment

**Informational Hearing Only**
**No vote will be taken**

Here’s the Minnesota Family Council’s email to supporters:

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