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City Council codifies Office of LGBTQIA2S+ Advancement, voting to protect office by ordinance
Summary
The Boston City Council unanimously passed an ordinance formally establishing the Office of LGBTQIA2S+ Advancement, making the office a permanent department-level unit with an executive director appointed by the mayor and duties to monitor legislation and advise city leadership.
The Boston City Council on Wednesday voted to formally codify the Office of LGBTQIA2S+ Advancement, passing ordinance docket 0968 by roll call vote.
The ordinance places the office under an executive director appointed by the mayor and grants the director the powers and duties of a department head for personnel and contract execution, according to the measure presented to the council.
Councilor Colette Zapata, chair of the Committee on Government Operations, said the ordinance “formally establishing the office of LGBTQIA2S+ advancement” will protect the office’s mission over time. “Formally codifying this office will protect its mission, strengthen its impact, and ensure that this community remains visible, supported, and centered in city government,” Zapata said.
Councilor Henry Santana, a lead sponsor of the ordinance, urged colleagues to support the measure as a safeguard in a shifting political climate. “What this will do is that no matter who’s in office, no matter who’s mayor here in the city of Boston, this office is protected, and will be ready to continue to serve this community,” Santana said.
The ordinance outlines that the office will monitor legislative developments at local, state and federal levels, advise city leadership on issues affecting LGBTQIA2S+ residents and visitors, and develop inclusive policies in partnership with other departments and stakeholders. The committee report cited Section 15-14.2 for the office’s stated purpose of promoting the rights, safety and well-being of LGBTQIA2S+ residents.
The measure drew statements of support from multiple councilors who framed the action as necessary as national policy debates grow more contentious. Councilor Flynn noted the office’s role in reviewing legislation that affects community members, and Councilor Durkin praised the office’s ongoing work to connect residents to services.
The council suspended the rules and passed docket 0968; the roll-call recorded 11 votes in the affirmative. The committee report and ordinance will be transmitted for any remaining steps required by city procedures.
