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Shoreline Council unanimously adopts resolution affirming city as safe, welcoming place for LGBTQIA2S+ people
Summary
The Shoreline City Council on Feb. 24 adopted Resolution 5-42, reaffirming the city's commitment to safety, equity and inclusion for LGBTQIA2S+ residents. The measure passed unanimously after public testimony from community members and a staff presentation.
Shoreline City Council voted unanimously Monday to adopt Resolution 5-42, a statement reaffirming the city's commitment to ensuring that people of all gender identities, sexual orientations and gender expressions feel safe and supported in Shoreline.
The resolution, presented to council by a member of the city manager's office, was sponsored by Councilmember Robertson and Councilmember Scully and passed on a unanimous voice vote after public comment and council remarks.
Council staff said the resolution builds on a previous city declaration (Resolution 4-01) and responds to local and national concerns about harassment and threats directed at LGBTQIA2S+ people. Jim Hammond of the city manager's office described the measure as a focused reaffirmation of the city's existing commitment to an inclusive community.
Public commenters told the council the resolution could have life-saving impacts. Fran Rourke, a longtime Shoreline resident and health-care worker, said she has transported transgender people who were suicidal and called for safe spaces and support. "I speak in favor," Rourke said.
Jess (Jesse) Brammer, who identified as a member of the LGBTQ+ community, urged passage and pointed to research showing lower rates of depression and suicide among LGBTQ youth who live in accepting communities. "Every time a city, a school, or any institution declares itself a safe haven, it throws a lifeline to someone who may be struggling," Brammer said.
Kevin Barrett, who noted he serves as president of the Shoreline Chamber of Commerce but was speaking as a private citizen, also voiced support and urged the council to send a clear public message against discrimination.
On the council floor, Robertson urged swift action and thanked residents who requested the city adopt a specific statement similar to actions taken by other municipalities. Several council members recounted personal connections to LGBTQ people and expressed that a public reaffirmation could help those feeling threatened in the current national climate. The clerk recorded each council member voting "aye," and the mayor announced the motion passed unanimously.
The resolution does not direct a specific implementation program or appropriation; staff described it as a public-policy statement and noted it was brought forward for formal council affirmation. Councilmembers said they expect the adopted language to serve as a basis for outreach and ongoing community support activities.
The council moved on to other business after adopting the resolution; no further action on enforcement or a city program was recorded at Monday's meeting.
