Olympia City Council approves resolution declaring city a sanctuary for LGBTQIA2S+ people

OLYMPIA, Wash. — The Olympia City Council voted Jan. 28 to adopt a resolution declaring the city a sanctuary for LGBTQIA2S+ people, directing city officials to prioritize protections for gender identity and expression, limit use of city resources to enforce laws that would punish or restrict LGBTQIA2S+ rights, and continue partnership with local community organizations on safety and outreach.

The resolution, presented by Assistant City Manager Stacy Reyes, affirms that the city “expands its sanctuary city commitment to include LGBTQIA2S+ people” and lists a series of actionable commitments ranging from defending access to gender-affirming care to protecting information about a person’s sex assigned at birth except when required for a criminal investigation.

The council approved the resolution by voice vote after a period of public comment that included speakers representing PFLAG Olympia, local labor organizations, community mutual aid groups and individuals who identified as transgender or queer.

“The resolution before you tonight meets all three requests,” Assistant City Manager Stacy Reyes said during the council presentation, summarizing staff work that she said incorporated community input and aimed to be “responsive to the moment with actionable items.” The resolution’s text cites the city’s commitment to dignity, equity and respect regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity and references…