Spokane City Council Votes on Ordinance Approving Protections of LGBTQIA2S+ Communities
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~ During Monday's legislative session, the Spokane City Council voted 5-2 in favor of an ordinance that aims to provide equitable protections for the LGBTQIA2S+ community and affirm their right to seek gender-affirming care. The ordinance was proposed by Council Member Paul Dillon and received overwhelming support from community members.

Council Member Dillon expressed his gratitude for the powerful and heartfelt testimonies in support of the ordinance, stating that it is about supporting safety, freedom, and dignity for all individuals. He also highlighted Spokane's commitment to diversity and inclusivity, stating that "In Spokane, we all belong." He further emphasized the importance of this ordinance in light of targeting and discrimination by the Trump administration and states seeking to ban essential medical care for LGBTQIA2S+ individuals.

The ordinance includes several measures to protect and affirm the rights of LGBTQIA2S+ communities. It updates language in the city's Human Rights code to define gender-affirming care and prohibits the collection or dissemination of information about an individual's sex assigned at birth unless related to a criminal investigation. Additionally, it directs the Spokane Police Department to maintain an LGBTQIA2S+ liaison officer as a point of contact.

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One significant addition is a new section stating that city-provided healthcare must cover individuals' rights to access healthcare services and gender-affirming treatments that are legal in Washington State. This ensures that LGBTQIA2S+ individuals have access to necessary medical care without discrimination.

Currently, both Spokane Municipal Code (SMC) Title 18 and state law offer protections against discrimination based on gender identity and sexual orientation. However, this new ordinance acknowledges the inherent risks faced by the LGBTQIA2S+ community in Spokane due to federal policies and interjurisdictional legal processes from states that do not recognize their rights or are actively working against them.

Council Member Zack Zappone also spoke in support of the ordinance, emphasizing that LGBTQIA2S+ individuals deserve the freedom to make their own healthcare decisions and feel safe in their community. He acknowledged that this freedom and safety are under threat across the country and stated that this ordinance ensures Spokane continues to protect and support its LGBTQIA2S+ community.

In conclusion, the Spokane City Council's decision to pass this ordinance is a significant step towards ensuring equal rights and protections for the LGBTQIA2S+ community. It sends a powerful message of inclusivity and acceptance, reaffirming Spokane's commitment to diversity and equality for all its residents.

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