Minneapolis residents and workers now have broader legal protections against discrimination under a new city ordinance approved by the City Council. Starting August 1st, 2025, the law prohibits discrimination based on four new categories: housing status, justice-impacted history (a person's prior involvement with the criminal justice system), height, and weight.

Beyond these new protections, the ordinance also strengthens existing civil rights safeguards. The law expands how the city defines race, familial status, and disability to provide more comprehensive coverage. It also increases protections for pregnant workers and people observing religious practices, ensuring employers and schools cannot discriminate based on these factors.

The ordinance applies to employers, educational institutions, and other covered entities throughout Minneapolis. City officials are advising these organizations to review the new law carefully to ensure they comply with its requirements. The expanded protections reflect the city's effort to address discrimination in areas that were previously not explicitly covered under civil rights law.

The changes represent one of the most significant updates to Minneapolis's civil rights ordinance in recent years, broadening the scope of who is protected and on what grounds. Community members and advocacy groups have long pushed for protections in these areas, particularly regarding housing status and criminal history, which can create barriers to employment and housing for vulnerable populations.