Minnesota Senate votes to pass bill that would ban discrimination based on hairstyle

ST. PAUL, Minn. (WCCO) -- The Minnesota Senate voted 45-19 to approve the Crown Act, a bill that would prohibit discrimination based on hairstyle. 

Lawmakers and community leaders at the capitol say it's needed to protect those choosing to wear natural hair styles like afros and braids. In 2020, the Minnesota House passed the Crown Act, but it went nowhere in the Republican-controlled Senate.

Vachel Hudson, who works for the Twin Cities Urban League, told WCCO she has experienced the issue first-hand.

"My first job was as a salesman. I was told I would look much cleaner, much nicer if I cut my hair," he said.

Minnesota is not alone in pushing this. At least 14 other states have passed anti-hair discrimination laws.

The bill now moves to Gov. Tim Walz's desk for signature.