Bothell council to consider resolution affirming protections for transgender, nonbinary and gender‑diverse residents after hours of public comment

Councilmember Aldrichs asked the Bothell City Council on April 8, 2025, to place a draft resolution affirming Bothell as a welcoming community for transgender, nonbinary and gender‑diverse people on an upcoming council agenda; council members agreed to bring the item back for a vote next week after public comment and a request for additional staff detail.

The resolution prompted an extended public comment period in which speakers presented sharply divergent views on whether the city should adopt explicit protections and outreach commitments for LGBTQIA+ residents. Supporters said the declaration would help make at‑risk residents and young people feel safer; opponents said the resolution was unnecessary or conflicted with religious beliefs.

Supporters of the resolution told the council the measure would send a safety signal to a population experiencing increased hostility elsewhere. “This resolution is important because it affirms that this area is safe and that our neighbors will watch for us and watch out for us,” said Aspen Richter, who identified herself as a longtime Eastside LGBTQIA+ community member. Mona Atallah, who accepted an earlier proclamation on behalf of Bothell’s Arab community, told the council, “Inclusion is not about rejecting faith or identity. It’s about ensuring anyone, regardless of who they are or who they love, feel safe, seen, and valued.” Josh Hollister, a teacher, urged empathy for young people who need to be seen and heard.

Opponents framed their objections in moral and religious terms. Michael Kreft said he opposed the resolution “for two reasons” and described his view that affirming gender diversity is not the correct response to people with gender dysphoria. Dan Craft said the measure would amount to “the normalization, promotion, public celebration, and forced affirmation of confusion.” Other speakers raised concerns about the city using resources to support events or programs they consider objectionable.

Councilmembers debated whether the proposed resolution duplicates a broader welcoming resolution the council adopted in February. Councilmember Mankie said he supports Bothell being “a safe and welcoming place” but asked whether a separate resolution focused on transgender and gender‑diverse people adds meaningful action beyond the earlier, broader measure; he requested a staff report outlining any new administrative or budget impacts before a final vote. Councilmember Aldrichs said community members had approached her “in terror and fear for their lives” and asked the council to be responsive to those concerns by placing the draft resolution on the next agenda. Councilmember Dodd said the volume of public input justified returning the item next week and asked that colleagues who might vote against the resolution be explicit about whether their opposition was to the rhetoric or the policy.

Councilmember Curry said she supported returning the item for consideration and cited research she said links anti‑trans laws to increased harm in that population, adding that she would “keep voting for resolutions” as long as certain residents remain singled out for discrimination.

City staff said a draft resolution was in the council packet and that, if council concurred to bring it forward, staff would place it on an upcoming agenda for a formal vote; councilmembers signaled concurrence and asked staff to prepare any requested clarifications on implementation, reporting and potential resource implications. No final vote on the resolution was taken April 8.

The item will return to the council for formal consideration next week; staff were asked to supply a clearer list of actions the city would commit to, and to identify any staffing or budget implications before the council votes.