City Council Meeting Date: August 4, 2025
To: Mayor and City Council
City Administrator
From: Claudia Garcia, Spanish Translator
Title
Consider Resolution Declaring the City of Northfield, Minnesota, as an LGBTQIA+ Sanctuary City.
Body
Action Requested:
The Northfield City Council approves a Resolution Declaring the City of Northfield, Minnesota as a LGBTQIA+ Sanctuary City.
Summary Report:
The Northfield Human Rights Commission is recommending the City of Northfield declare itself an LGBTQIA+ Sanctuary City. This initiative aims to formally solidify the City's commitment to being a welcoming, inclusive, and safe environment for all residents and visitors, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.
The core of this resolution is to:
• Affirm Northfield as an LGBTQIA+ Sanctuary City, sending a clear message of welcome and protection to LGBTQIA+ individuals and families.
• Reaffirm our city's commitment to non-discrimination in all policies, practices, and services.
• Promote the safety and well-being of LGBTQIA+ residents, ensuring equitable access to public services and opportunities.
• Limit cooperation, where legally permissible, with any discriminatory federal or state actions targeting LGBTQIA+ individuals or their access to essential services, including gender-affirming healthcare.
• Encourage public awareness and education to foster understanding and acceptance within our community.
This proposal aligns with actions already taken by other Minnesota cities, such as Minneapolis, St. Paul, and Duluth, and supports the state's existing "Trans Refuge" legislation.
The Northfield Human Rights Commission believes that this is a crucial step for Northfield to explicitly demonstrate its values and ensure that all individuals feel safe, respected, and supported.
At their June 25, 2025 meeting, the Human Rights Commission voted to recommend the resolution to the City Council. At the meeting, members posed the following questions:
What does this resolution mean in a legal sense?
In Northfield, MN, a resolution typically refers to a formal statement or decision made by the City Council. Resolutions are a way for the City Council to formally express their position or decision on a particular matter. A resolution is not a law and does not have the force of an ordinance.
What exactly does this resolution do?
This resolution would reaffirm Northfield’s commitment to the Minnesota Human Rights Act (MHRA). The MHRA prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in employment, housing, public accommodations, and more. If passed, this resolution will send a strong and clear message that the City of Northfield affirms and stands with the LGBTQIA+ community, and we are committed to being a welcoming and inclusive community for all residents.
Was this resolution reintroduced? No. This Resolution had not been introduced before. The Resolution was in the beginning draft form. The City of Northfield did pass an Ordinance Ban on Conversion Therapy back on August 20, 2022.
Regarding gender affirming care, what signal are we sending to a minor who comes to Northfield requesting gender-affirming care against their parents’ wishes?
Minnesota is a state that protects access to gender-affirming care. In 2023, the state passed a law that designates Minnesota as a “Trans Refuge” state, ensuring that out-of-state laws cannot interfere with gender affirming care provided within the state. There are no restrictions on minor’s access to gender-affirming care in Minnesota law. Providers follow established medical and ethical standards that include parental involvement where appropriate. This resolution does not change those clinical standards-it merely reaffirms support for existing state protections.
Could this resolution expose Northfield to retaliation by the Federal Executive Branch or other political backlash?
This concern is understandable in the current climate, where LGBTQIA+ rights have increasingly been targeted at the Federal level. However, it is important to recognize that:
Again, Northfield with this Resolution is Acting in Accordance with Minnesota Law
Minnesota has one of the most comprehensive civil rights laws in the country. The MHRA provides explicit legal protections for LGBTQIA+ individuals. The proposed resolution does not exceed the boundaries of state law-it affirms and expresses solidarity with rights that are already guaranteed under Minnesota statutes. Furthermore, the State of Minnesota has established itself as a "Trans Refuge" state, meaning that local governments are on solid legal footing when taking steps to align with that state policy and provide sanctuary for individuals seeking gender-affirming care.
Standing Up for Human Rights Is Not a Provocation-It’s a Responsibility
Choosing not to act out of fear of retaliation sends a chilling message that threats and intimidation can override our values. In contrast, affirming our commitment to human dignity, especially when others are under attack, is a demonstration of moral leadership. Silence in the face of injustice can be perceived as complicity, and that in itself can do more to damage the trust and safety of LGBTQIA+ residents than any external political pressure.
Solidarity Is Power
Northfield joins a growing network of cities across Minnesota and the nation that are standing in solidarity with LGBTQIA+ communities. By taking a public stance, we amplify our collective voice and help push back against broader efforts to undermine civil rights. There is strength in unity, and our local leadership helps contribute to a broader movement for equity and justice.
Safety Comes From Affirmation, Not Silence
LGBTQIA+ youth and adults already face disproportionate levels of harassment, mental health challenges, and exclusion. The absence of affirmation can itself be a source of harm. By clearly stating that Northfield is a safe and supportive place, we provide a counterbalance to fear, signal institutional safety, and contribute to the well-being of our residents. That is a more immediate and meaningful impact than any speculative political backlash.
Staff and members of the Human Rights Commission will provide a summary of this recommended resolution at the meeting. Additionally, they will be available for questions.
Alternative Options:
The City Council could choose not to support this initiative;
or send it back to the Human Rights Commission for revisions that includes some specific feedback or direction that could be helpful in that work.
Financial Impacts:
None.
Tentative Timelines:
If approved, the Resolution will be signed and effective on August 4, 2025.