Worcester council adopts resolution declaring city a sanctuary for transgender and gender‑diverse people after weeks of public testimony

WORCESTER, Mass. — The Worcester City Council on Friday adopted a resolution declaring the city a sanctuary for transgender and gender‑diverse people after more than a month of public testimony and debate, voting 8‑2 to approve the measure.

The resolution, filed as petition 14 B, passed after hours of public comment in which residents, faith leaders, educators and service providers urged the council to act now to protect LGBTQIA+ residents from federal policy changes and what speakers described as an escalating climate of hostility. The council later rejected a motion to reconsider the vote.

The approval came after repeated appeals from community members who urged the council to be explicit in defending gender‑affirming care and non‑discrimination protections. Joshua Croak, founder of the nonprofit Love Your Labels, told the council, "We will not cooperate with a federal government that seeks to erase and minimize and kill you," and called for local officials to use "every law and policy possible" to protect vulnerable people. Pastor Julie Payne Britton of Hadwin Park Congregational Church said, "The Jesus I know would be at this mic ... lining up to speak during this public comment, standing in solidarity with the brave…