Tim Walz, Kamala Harris' Running Mate, Embraces Progressive Transgender Policies for Children

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, Vice President Kamala Harris' running mate, has a history of supporting transgender-related policies that have drawn criticism from some and praise from others. These policies include making Minnesota a "sanctuary state" for children seeking transgender surgeries and hormone treatments, preventing books from being removed from public schools for containing LGBTQ+ content, and requiring free menstrual products in all public school bathrooms.

Vice President Kamala Harris' running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, has a track record of supporting progressive policies related to transgender youth.

Walz signed into law a bill making Minnesota a "sanctuary state" for children seeking transgender surgical procedures and hormone prescriptions. This law prevents Minnesota courts from following prosecutions from other states against people who come to Minnesota for such treatments.

Tim Walz, Kamala Harris' Running Mate, Embraces Progressive Transgender Policies for Children

Walz also signed a bill that prevents books, which may include explicit material for children, from being removed from public schools. The bill also made it illegal to remove books written by or about LGBTQ+ and minorities.

In 2023, Walz signed a law banning "conversion therapy," which also prohibits counselors from withholding recommendations for transgender surgical procedures or hormonal treatments for individuals experiencing gender dysphoria.

Tim Walz, Kamala Harris' Running Mate, Embraces Progressive Transgender Policies for Children

Walz additionally signed into law a requirement for free menstrual products in all public school bathrooms. This law mandates that tampons and pads be provided at no cost in public schools for grades 4 through 12 to accommodate transgender students.

Walz's transgender policies have drawn criticism from some conservatives, who argue that they are too radical and that parents should have more say in their children's medical decisions. Others, however, have praised Walz's policies, saying that they are necessary to protect transgender youth from discrimination and violence.

Tim Walz, Kamala Harris' Running Mate, Embraces Progressive Transgender Policies for Children

Walz's support for transgender rights is in line with the Democratic Party's platform, which includes a commitment to protecting the rights of all LGBTQ+ people. Walz's policies have also been praised by LGBTQ+ advocacy groups, who say that they are a step in the right direction towards achieving full equality for transgender people.

As the vice presidential nominee, Walz is likely to continue to be a vocal advocate for transgender rights. His policies are likely to be a major focus of the 2024 presidential campaign, as Democrats and Republicans debate the best way to protect the rights of transgender people.

Tim Walz, Kamala Harris' Running Mate, Embraces Progressive Transgender Policies for Children

In addition to his transgender policies, Walz has also taken a number of other progressive positions. He supports a $15 minimum wage, universal healthcare, and tuition-free college. He has also been a vocal critic of President Trump, calling him a "dangerous demagogue."

Walz's progressive positions are likely to appeal to many Democratic voters, but they could also be a liability in some more conservative states. It remains to be seen whether Walz's support for transgender rights and other progressive policies will help or hurt Harris's chances of winning the presidency in 2024.