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Transgender Lawmaker Faces Backlash Over Church Protest Support

1/22/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Rep. Leigh Finke (D-Minn.), the first openly transgender legislator in Minnesota, faced backlash after backing protests at churches against ICE.
On January 18, protesters interrupted a service at Cities Church in St. Paul.
The protests may violate the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act.
The U.S. Department of Justice is investigating the incident.
No arrests have been made.

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Story summary

Rep. Leigh Finke (D-Minn.), the first openly transgender legislator in Minnesota, faced backlash after backing protests at churches against ICE.
On January 18, protesters interrupted a service at Cities Church in St. Paul.
The protests may violate the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act.
The U.S. Department of Justice is investigating the incident.
No arrests have been made.