St. Petersburg council unanimously adopts resolution defining Islamophobia after public testimony

The St. Petersburg City Council voted unanimously Feb. 12 to adopt a resolution that defines Islamophobia and asks city administration to incorporate the definition into existing anti-discrimination policies.

The resolution was introduced by a council member who said the measure responds to an increase in anti-Muslim incidents and online harassment. The item drew a long public-comment period in which community members, civil-rights attorneys and faith leaders described personal experiences and urged the council to act.

"A clear, carefully drafted definition of Islamophobia, such as this one, gives our institutions a shared understanding of what anti‑Muslim discrimination looks like so it can be identified and responded to appropriately," said Alina Hussain, a civil-rights attorney and local parent.

Speakers at the podium described episodes that ranged from social-media harassment to threats and vandalism of religious texts. Marley Marks, director of No Hate in Politics, said the resolution is a tool to change rhetoric and protect community members: "Passing this resolution is not symbolic. It's a commitment to building systems, policies, and norms that protect every resident."

Interfaith voices also urged approval. Reverend Andy Oliver of Allendale United Methodist Church said defining Islamophobia is not about restricting speech but about naming and confronting a real pattern of harm in the community.

Councilmembers voiced broad support. Councilmember Brandy Gabbard said she supported the measure and asked staff to ensure the language would not conflict with existing federal grants or state law; Councilmember Driscoll urged incorporation of the language into city policy and follow-through by administration. Several councilmembers noted the city previously adopted a similar formal definition to address antisemitism.

Clerk tallying of the vote showed the motion passed unanimously among seated voters; one council member was recorded absent. The council directed administration to integrate the adopted definition into relevant policies and procedures, as requested in the resolution.

The measure does not create new criminal penalties; it is a policy and definitional resolution directing city staff to update anti-discrimination policy language and training materials. Councilmembers said next steps include administrative implementation and public education about the new policy language.