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Ohio University students and residents urge Athens to declare a "safe haven" for gender-affirming care
Summary
At a Feb. 24 committee session, students and residents testified in favor of a resolution asking Athens to declare itself a safe haven for gender-affirming care; council members generally supported moving the draft to the law director for review and to be introduced at the next meeting.
Jeff Ryner, president pro tem of the Athens City Council, opened a committee-of-the-whole discussion on a student-drafted resolution asking the city to be considered a ‘‘safe haven’’ for people seeking gender-affirming health care and to encourage administration policies supporting that role.
Liam, introduced by Member Wood as president of the Ohio University Young Democratic Socialists of America chapter, told the committee, “the time has come to put in place local protections both rhetorical and legal that would halt the formalized legislative push of transphobia in our state and in our nation.” He said the resolution reflects months of work with community groups and local health providers.
Other public commenters described personal and professional stakes. Orin Underhill (legal name Sunny Sparks), a graduate social-work student and First Ward resident, said research shows gender-affirming care reduces anxiety and depression and argued a sanctuary-style resolution could save lives. Abigail Williams, a student at Ohio University, said she supports making care accessible locally for students and residents who need it.
Several council members praised the speakers and the draft’s outreach. Member Swank said the resolution ‘‘makes sense’’ given recent state law changes and council’s existing 2040 comprehensive-plan language on inclusion. CL Felder and Member McCary also voiced support but asked the law director to review any legal ramifications before a formal introduction. Member Wood said the group consulted stakeholders including local health providers and the ACLU.
Council did not adopt the resolution Thursday. Instead the committee agreed to send the draft to the law director for review and to move the item forward for formal introduction at the next regular council session as a single-reading resolution, provided the law director ‘‘does not notice any red flags.’'
Why it matters: supporters said the resolution would signal municipal support for residents who seek gender-affirming services and could protect providers and patients from emerging state-level restrictions; council members emphasized the symbolic value while seeking legal clearance before formal action.
Next steps: the draft will be reviewed by the law director and — if cleared — introduced at the next regular council meeting for council consideration.
