Columbia, Missouri, has declared itself to be a sanctuary city for LGBTQ people.
Earlier this week, the city's "LGBTQ Safe Haven" ordinance was passed by the city council with a vote of 6 to 1.
The ordinance amends the sanctuary city policy to include the gay and transgender community.
"Except as other required by law, the enforcement of any laws, rules, or regulations imposing criminal punishment, civil liability, administrative penalties, or professional sanctions, pertaining to the use of restroom facilities based on an individual’s original sex identified on a birth certificate or other language restricting bathroom use based on sex at birth will be declined and, if unable to be declined for any reason, will be the lowest priority within the City," the amendment states.
Additionally, the amendment seeks to protect drag queen performances.
"Except as otherwise required by law, the enforcement of any laws, rules, or regulations imposing criminal punishment, civil liability, administrative penalties, or professional sanctions, pertaining to the prohibition on entertainment by male or female impersonators or prohibitions on performers wearing non-stereotypical dress or costumes based on the entertainer’s actual or perceived sex will be declined and, if unable to be declined for any reason, will be the lowest priority within the City." Columbia City Council members passed an ordinance by a vote of 6 to 1 that ensured LGBTQ individuals, families, and establishments felt safe within the community. @KRCG13 pic.twitter.com/MpM1TcnRT4
— Mark Slavit (@MSlavitKRCG13) February 20, 2024
Local station KRCG reports, "Fifth Ward Councilman Don Waterman was the only member of the council to vote no on the ordinance. Waterman heard complaints from transgenders during the public comment about trouble in public bathrooms and bullying. Waterman said the ordinance would not prevent those problems."
Waterman argued, “Bullying is something that’s happened throughout history. It continues to happen, unfortunately. A piece of paper is not going to stop bullying.”
Mid-Missouri Pride Fest spokesman Joe Jefferies spoke during the public comment portion of the meeting, arguing in favor of the city becoming a sanctuary city.
"This ordinance is not merely a political statement or gesture of performant tokenism," Jefferies said according to the KRCG report. "It is a vital step toward safeguarding the human rights of queer Columbians, enabling them to thrive safely within Columbia’s city limits."
Gov. Kathy Hochul signed legislation making New York a sanctuary state for "transgender" children and their families last June.
The legislation prohibits New York authorities from cooperating with other states’ investigations into families who are obtaining sex change drugs, hormones, or surgeries for minors.
Additionally, the bill amends existing family court law to say that children will not be separated from parents who bring them to the state for sex change prescriptions or surgeries."A law of another state that authorizes a child to be removed from their parent or guardian based on the parent or guardian allowing their child to receive gender-affirming care shall not be enforced or applied in a case pending in a court in this state," the legislation states. "No court in this state shall admit or consider a finding of abuse based on the parent or guardian allowing their child to receive or seek gender-affirming care as evidence in any proceeding with respect to that parent or guardian and any of their children, unless such conduct would constitute abuse under the laws of this state if it occurred in this state."
“A police officer may not arrest any person for performing or aiding in the performance of gender-affirming care within this state, or in procuring or aiding in the procurement of gender-affirming care in this state, if the gender-affirming care is performed in accordance with the provisions of any other applicable law of this state,” the bill reads.
