City Council declares Boston a sanctuary city for transgender and LGBTQIA2S+ residents; 12-1 roll call

The Boston City Council on March 12 adopted a resolution declaring Boston a sanctuary city for transgender persons and members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, passing 12–1 in a roll-call vote after public testimony and extended debate.

Councilor Julia Mejia, the lead sponsor, described the resolution as an initial, symbolic action that she said must be followed by concrete work: “This resolution' as we heard earlier' is the first step. It's an opportunity for us to come together in agreement as a body that we acknowledge that the work must be done collectively,” Mejia said during debate.

The measure prompted a broad public showing earlier in the meeting. Chastity Bowick, introduced to the chamber as chair of the organizing coalition, told the council, “With trans and gender diverse communities being attacked on a national level, Boston has to step up and be the staple of the movement for saving our lives, especially black and brown transgender people” (Chastity Bowick, coalition chair).

Why…