Top House Republican Demands Minnesota ‘Immediately’ Repeal ‘Trans Refuge’ Law
House GOP Whip Tom Emmer is calling on his home state of Minnesota to immediately repeal its so-called “trans refuge” law following the horrifying shooting at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis by a transgender-identifying male.
The law, enacted by Democrat Governor Tim Walz in 2023, made Minnesota a destination for out-of-state parents seeking transgender procedures for their children. Emmer said the policy is doing more harm than good—and he’s had enough.
“We’ve got to respect everyone. We’ve got to have compassion,” Emmer said. “But we’ve also got to acknowledge serious mental health issues are being exacerbated by these kinds of messages from people like Tim Walz and everyone who backed that law.”
His comments come just one day after 23-year-old Robin Westman—born Robert—opened fire during a Catholic Mass attended by students, killing two young children and injuring 18 others.
“They should immediately repeal it, but they won’t,” Emmer said. “This poor young man was tortured. He clearly had serious mental health issues, and rather than helping him, the system only made things worse.”
Shooter Expressed Regret Over Trans Identity
According to investigators, journal entries left behind by Westman show deep regret over his transgender identity and confusion about his self-perception.
“I am tired of being trans, I wish I never brain-washed myself,” Westman reportedly wrote in a journal entry.
He also wrote, “I don’t want to dress girly all the time… I know I am not a woman but I definitely don’t feel like a man.”
Emmer pointed to these revelations as a grim example of what happens when ideology is placed above psychological care.
“You look at the sadness of these tortured human beings—because they do have regrets later—and no, we should have never started this,” Emmer said. “It should not be allowed.”
Lawmakers Demand Accountability
Law enforcement officials have stated that Westman’s writings were “full of hate,” targeting Jews, Catholics, and even expressing a desire to assassinate President Donald Trump.
Emmer said someone had to have seen the warning signs and failed to act.
“Somebody had to know,” Emmer said. “Someone in his family, in his neighborhood, in his life network. Why didn’t they speak up? Why didn’t somebody offer him help?”
The 2023 Minnesota law had already drawn criticism for undermining parental rights in other states, allowing minors to receive hormone therapy or surgeries even if their home states prohibited it. Critics say this creates a dangerous legal and psychological gray area that fuels long-term harm.
In the wake of the Annunciation shooting, Emmer says Minnesota’s policies must be reevaluated—not reinforced.
“This is a tragedy that could have been prevented,” he said.