** Olympia Council Supports Sanctuary Status for Transgender and LGBTQ+ Individuals

The City of Olympia may soon become Washington's first sanctuary city for transgender and LGBTQ+ individuals, responding to a growing call for protective measures against rising discrimination and violence. During a public comment session, community members passionately urged the council to adopt this resolution, voicing their fears amid increasing anti-LGBTQ+ legislation across the nation. Activists, including Alice Rosewater and Miro Stuke, emphasized the urgent need for sanctuary status, sharing personal experiences of individuals forced to flee their home states due to oppressive laws. Council members expressed unanimous support for the initiative, aiming to implement actionable policies before President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration. The proposed sanctuary status could include directives for law enforcement to refrain from collaborating with states that criminalize gender-affirming care, ensure city staff receive training on LGBTQ+ issues, and promote year-round programming for the community.

This initiative aligns with Olympia's previous actions to declare sanctuary status for migrants and reproductive rights, reflecting a collective commitment to foster an inclusive and safe environment for all.