Lakewood committee advances ‘gender freedom’ resolution, refers policy to full council

The Lakewood City Council Committee of the Whole voted Sept. 22 to substitute and refer Resolution 2025-45 — labeled the city’s “gender freedom” resolution — and an administrative policy to the full council for adoption at the Oct. 6 meeting.

The resolution and administrative policy state that the city will not prioritize use of its resources to investigate, detain, surveil, interview or otherwise act against people seeking, receiving, facilitating or providing gender-affirming care. The committee approved an amendment to make that prohibition explicitly inclusive by adding the phrase “including, but not limited to, gender-affirming surgery or gender hormone therapy and legal guardians seeking gender-affirming care on behalf of dependents.”

Why it matters: Sponsors described the measure as a municipal response to recent state and national actions restricting transgender rights. Supporters said the policy is intended to protect Lakewood residents, drag performers and city employees who seek gender-affirming care or related services.

What the committee did and why: Council President Keppel opened the discussion and asked co-sponsor Council Member Striebig to speak. Council Member Striebig read a statement attributed to a Human Rights Campaign spokesperson condemning national rhetoric and said, “trans people are part of the fabric of society and just trying to…