Prof. Myron Orfield Interviewed in Star Tribune About Whether Crisis Pregnancy Center Violates Human Rights Act

Professor Myron Orfield, Earl R. Larson Professor of Civil Rights and Civil Liberties and Director, Institute of Metropolitan Opportunity, was interviewed by the Star Tribune about whether a local crisis pregnancy center is violating state law because its adoption agency works only with married, heterosexual couples. The center, New Life Family Services, was highlighted by Second District Congressional candidate Joe Teirab who said the organization helped his mother when she unexpectedly became pregnant with him. He currently is a member of its board of directors. Incumbent Rep. Angie Craig has spoken about the struggles she faced adopting children because she is gay and has criticized Teirab’s connection to the organization. It’s unclear if the organization’s restriction to whom they work with violates the Minnesota Human Rights Act ban on discrimination in public accommodations. Minnesota law says it is illegal to deny services to someone because of their marital status and sexual orientation. Prof. Orfield said the restriction appeared to violate state law, but he said the group might be protected under the First Amendment. He referred to a 2022 New York case where the state’s Supreme Court found a similar organization’s criteria for prospective parents was a protected exercise of religious beliefs.