Jurisdiction Chart: How the Human Rights Act Protects Everyone in Minnesota
The Department of Human Rights has jurisdiction to investigate discrimination only if it happens because of a protected class reason. There are limited exceptions to some provisions of the Act, and not every class is protected in each area. For example, a restaurant can offer special discounts to senior citizens because age is not a protected class in public accommodations. (View a text version of the chart below).
Other prohibited Practices
Aiding/Abetting and Obstruction: The Act prohibits a person from aiding in a violation of the Minnesota Human Rights Act (MHRA), coercing a person to violate the law, obstructing a person's compliance with the Act, or interfering with the department's performance of its duties.
Reprisal: The Act prohibits reprisal of retaliation because a person opposed a practice forbidden by the MHRA, filed a charge or participated in a matter brought under the Act; or because a person associated with a person or group of persons who are disabled or of a different race, color, creed, religion, sexual orientation, or national origin.
