Salem City council declares city a place of safety for transgender and nonbinary residents

The Salem City Council on April 10 unanimously adopted a resolution declaring the city a sanctuary and place of safety for transgender and gender‑nonconforming residents and visitors.

The resolution, introduced by Councilor Merkel and adopted by roll call vote, reiterates Salem’s commitment to upholding rights guaranteed by the United States, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and Salem municipal code and directs the city to work with the Salem Human Rights Coalition to identify equity shortcomings and expand protections, including support for gender‑affirming health care and measures to protect students and municipal employees.

Why it matters: The resolution frames local policy as a bulwark against recent federal actions and a sharp rise in bills targeting transgender people nationwide. It directs the city to continue identifying ways to protect vulnerable community members and affirms support for existing municipal nondiscrimination rules cited in the resolution.

Public testimony and council debate preceded the vote. Resident Alphonse Wright said passing the resolution was “vital” and called it the least the city could do to protect those who fear for their safety. Resident Joe Bova said simply, “Trans rights are human rights.” Resident Kaitlyn Halapa, who described emailing councilors after the January 29 executive order, praised the resolution’s commitment to “identify ways to do more in the future and act on them.” Regina Saragosa Fry, who helped draft the measure with local advocacy groups, said the resolution “signals to our trans and nonbinary neighbors that their city sees them, values them and will defend their right to live freely and safely.” Tony (representing NAGLI) told the council the measure is “life saving” for local youth who use the group’s services.

Councilor Merkel, the motion’s sponsor, opened debate by thanking the North Shore LGBTQ+ youth advocacy organization, Salem public schools staff and local nonprofits for their work drafting the resolution and said the text “speaks for itself clearly and impactfully to the urgent need to take every action possible to protect and ensure the safety of our transgender and nonbinary community.” Councilor Cohen said he supported the measure and described plans to re-energize Project Out programming and educational outreach. Councilors Watzenfeld, Marcello and Davis each expressed support; Councilor Davis said the resolution made her proud to be a Salem resident.

Action taken: Councilor Merkel moved adoption of the resolution by roll call; the motion carried unanimously, 11–0. The adopted resolution references municipal code chapter 2, article 16 (nondiscrimination) and chapter 2, article 18 (safe access to legally protected health care) and cites an executive order dated 01/29/2025 in its findings.

The resolution directs municipal staff to work with the Salem Human Rights Coalition on next steps; it does not itself create new regulations or budget appropriations.