Delaware County Council adopts resolution declaring county a safe haven for LGBTQ+ residents

Delaware County Council voted Wednesday to adopt Resolution 2025‑09, declaring the county a “safe haven” for LGBTQ+ residents and reaffirming support for access to gender‑affirming health care and protections for transgender and gender‑expansive people.

The resolution, introduced to council by Councilmember McGarry, says the county “celebrates its diversity and believes that all individuals add to the quality of our lives and should be treated fairly with respect and dignity.” The text specifically reconfirms the county’s commitment to preventing discrimination and states the county will be “a safe haven for transgender and nonbinary people and their families.”

Why it matters: speakers from multiple community organizations urged council to pass the resolution as a practical step to protect residents at a time when state and federal policies affecting LGBTQ+ people are in flux. Dozens of residents spoke during the public‑comment segment, and council members framed the resolution as a statement of the county’s values and protections.

Supporters told the council the resolution is more than symbolism. Kyle McIntyre, UDTJ co‑founder and advisory board member, said, “This resolution is an opening act. It affirms that trans people are not just welcome here, they will be protected here.” Kayla Cachi, director of resources and services at the UDTJ Community Center, told council the resolution would “leave with courage to say clearly, we will not participate in harm. We will not share private medical information.” Several other speakers described the resolution as a first step toward broader nondiscrimination protections at the county level.

Opposition and concerns: a smaller group of public commenters opposed the resolution on religious or philosophical grounds. Concord Township resident Caris Coker delivered a lengthy statement arguing against the measure on moral and historical grounds; her remarks referenced broader cultural and educational critiques rather than local policy specifics. Councilmembers acknowledged those objections during debate but emphasized the resolution’s focus on nondiscrimination and health‑care access.

Council debate and outcome: Councilmember McGarry reviewed the resolution and its purpose at the dais, and multiple councilmembers spoke in favor of passage, calling it timely and consistent with the county’s obligation to protect residents. The measure passed by voice vote; council recorded that “the ayes have it.” The meeting record does not include a roll‑call tally.

What council and supporters said next: supporters and members of council described the resolution as a starting point and urged follow‑up work, including consideration of a comprehensive county nondiscrimination ordinance. Council encouraged dialogue with community groups about next steps.

Votes at a glance: council approved Resolution 2025‑09 by voice vote; the meeting record states “the ayes have it” and lists no roll‑call tally.

The resolution takes effect immediately as a formal statement of council policy; it does not, in itself, create new county code provisions or penalties. Supporters said they will press for further policy steps to codify nondiscrimination protections.

Officials and community groups announced related public events this week, including a flag‑raising ceremony and Pride parade in Media scheduled for June 6–7.

Ending: Councilmembers and dozens of residents left the meeting urging follow‑up actions such as a countywide nondiscrimination ordinance and continued collaboration with local LGBTQ+ organizations.