Map Shows Transgender Sanctuary Cities in the US
Donald Trump's anti-transgender executive orders.Since retaking office, Trump has issued several orders aimed at transgender people, including barring transgender athletes from competing in girls' and women's sports, cutting federal support for youth gender transitions and saying that the federal government only recognizes two genders, "male and female."A resolution supported by Queer Residents of Worcester and Our Allies pushed for the City Council in Massachusetts' second-largest city to declare itself "a sanctuary city and a place of safety for transgender and gender diverse people." It's largely a symbolic move.Newsweek has reached out to the Worcester City Council for comment via email on Wednesday.The resolution was passed Tuesday night by a 9-2 vote.
Around 200 people showed up in support of the measure, according to NBC's Boston affiliate.The petition came weeks after the city's councilor-at-large, Thu Nguyen, took a near monthlong break from the council over claims that the climate was transphobic.
Nguyen voted in favor of the petition and has now returned to the panel.It also comes after Trump, when signing an executive order last week regarding transgender people, said: "America, categorically rejects, transgender lunacy."Newsweek has reached out to Moms for Liberty, GLAAD and Advocates for Trans Equality for comment via email on Wednesday.Over the past few years, at least 26 states have enacted laws restricting or opposing medical care for transgender minors, many of which are being challenged in court.
The recent moves reflect a growing trend among Republican-controlled states to impose legislation that restricts transgender rights, including participation in sports and access to bathrooms.Dozens of other states have shield laws protecting access to transgender health care.
