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Council proclaims 'Alina's Light Day'; advocates push for 'Alina's law' to strengthen domestic-violence protections
Summary
Pittsburgh City Council on Oct. 7 declared 'Alina's Light Day' in recognition of Alina's Light, a nonprofit founded after the 2017 murder of Alina Shehiet. Family members and advocates urged council to support 'Alina's law'—state legislation the group says would expand protections for domestic-violence victims.
Councilwoman Kale Smith presented a proclamation on Oct. 7 recognizing Alina's Light and declaring Oct. 7, 2025, as "Alina's Light Day" in Pittsburgh. The proclamation, read into the record, commended the nonprofit's advocacy and life-saving work in the wake of Alina Shehiet’s 2017 death. Council approved the proclamation by unanimous voice vote.
Family members and advocates spoke from the podium about the group's work and pending state legislation the speakers called "Alina's law" (Senate Bill 123 and House Bill 104 referenced in testimony). Ellie (Alina’s mother), Jan Shehit (Alina’s father), Sasha Phillips (attorney and Alina’s Light healing-arts director), and Renee Zuckerel (former dance company leader) described Alina’s background, the nonprofit’s mission, survivor resources and the need for legislative changes to better protect victims.
Sasha Phillips addressed council about the proposed law and the human toll domestic violence produces. "Alina's law is the life saving measure that we're moving forward," Phillips said, noting statewide statistics and the group’s legislative advocacy. Speakers discussed the limits of protective orders in particular cases and urged council to support efforts to educate residents and to back the bills at the state level.
Why it matters: The proclamation recognizes a local nonprofit’s advocacy work and highlights an effort to advance state-level reforms intended to strengthen protections for domestic-violence survivors. Council endorsement of local recognition does not itself change state law, but the public testimony served to raise awareness among council members and the public.
The proclamation reading and speakers emphasized community resources and help lines for people experiencing abuse; speakers also asked for council support on outreach and public education. Council permitted the proclamation and recessed into the regular agenda after photo and remarks.
Ending: The proclamation passed by voice vote. Advocates asked council members to support Alina’s law at the state level and to promote survivor resources in the city.
