Gender equity, violence bills get debate amid budget battle

ST. PAUL, Minn. — Several initiatives to promote gender equity and reduce gender-based violence are in play as Minnesota's legislative session nears an end, ranging from a potential overhaul of the state's sexual assault laws to making it easier to sue for sexual harassment.

The House on Thursday unanimously passed a bill to address the plight of missing and murdered indigenous women, while a bill that would make it a crime to grope someone's buttocks through their clothing moved closer to a Senate floor vote.

http://www.startribune.com/gender-equity-violence-bills-get-debate-amid-budget-battle/509759562/