Following a committee discussion on Thursday concerning a proposal that would require age verification for websites hosting adult content, Minnesota Rep. Leigh Finke has been on the receiving end of public backlash after arguing that the bill could do more harm than good for LGBTQ students.
HF 1434, if passed, would force websites considered “harmful to minors” to verify that users are 18 or older before granting access. This could involve ID checks, credit card verification, or other age-confirmation systems. The bill would also expand the state attorney general’s authority to enforce the rule and take legal action against websites that fail to properly block minors.
However, during the hearing, Finke argued that queer youth sometimes turn to online spaces for information, saying such content could be “educational” in cases where schools do not provide inclusive sex education. The lawmaker warned that broad restrictions might unintentionally cut off access to information some students seek out on their own.
“The AGs in many states are very clear about that they’re almost jubilant about being able to use these laws to ban young people from accessing content that could be educational if they are queer,” Finke said, adding that LGBTQ-focused sex education is limited or nonexistent in many schools.
Public Reactions to the Minnesota Lawmaker’s Claims
Clips from the hearing have circulated across social media, and many viewers interpreted the lawmaker’s remarks as support for minors accessing adult websites. “This is sick. No kid needs access to adult sites,” one commenter wrote. “This is the most diabolical thing I’ve ever heard,” another person said, while a third asked, “What kind of sane person advocates for children to be exposed to adult content under the facade of being educational?”
Some netizens on X also criticized the lawmaker, with one writing, “How did this person even become a representative? That is ridiculous,” while another added, “Someone needs to check his hard drives.”
