Human Rights Commission Meeting Date: June 25, 2025
To: Human Rights Commission
From: Claudia Garcia, Staff Liaison
Title
Consider Recommendation to City Council a Resolution declaring the City of Northfield, Minnesota, as a LGBTQ+ Sanctuary City.
Body
Action Requested:
Staff recommends the Human Rights Commission consider a motion to recommend a resolution declaring the City of Northfield, Minnesota, as a LGBTQ+ Sanctuary City.
Summary Report:
Reintroducing Our Proposal: Northfield as an LGBTQ+ Sanctuary City.
The Northfield Human Rights LGBTQIA+ support subcommittee is writing to reintroduce our proposal for Northfield to declare itself an LGBTQIA+ Sanctuary City. This initiative aims to formally solidify our 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.
I believe this is a crucial step for Northfield to explicitly demonstrate its values and ensure that all individuals feel safe, respected, and supported.
Quick Peek: LGBTQIA+ Sanctuary Resolution Draft!
Resolution declaring the City of Northfield, Minnesota, as an LGBTQIA+ Sanctuary City.
WHEREAS, the City of Northfield is committed to fostering a welcoming, inclusive, and safe environment for all residents and visitors, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression; and
WHEREAS, the LGBTQIA+ community, including lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual individuals, are valued members of our society and contribute significantly to the richness and diversity of Northfield; and
WHEREAS, discrimination and prejudice based on sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression persist in various forms, leading to marginalization, fear, and inequitable access to resources and opportunities; and
WHEREAS, numerous cities within the State of Minnesota, including Minneapolis, St. Paul, Duluth, and others, have previously adopted ordinances and resolutions affirming their commitment to protecting the rights and well-being of their LGBTQIA+ residents; and
WHEREAS, the State of Minnesota along with the Minnesota Human Rights Act has enacted legislation establishing itself as a "Trans Refuge" state, demonstrating a commitment to protecting access to gender-affirming healthcare; and
WHEREAS, it is the desire of the City of Northfield to explicitly affirm its solidarity with the LGBTQIA+ community and to ensure that all individuals feel safe, respected, and supported within our city limits; and
WHEREAS, declaring Northfield as an LGBTQIA+ Sanctuary City will send a clear message of welcome and protection to LGBTQIA+ individuals and families, both within and beyond our community;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORTHFIELD:
Section 1: Declaration of LGBTQIA+ Sanctuary City Status
The City of Northfield hereby declares itself to be an LGBTQIA+ Sanctuary City, committed to creating a safe and inclusive environment for all LGBTQIA+ individuals.
Section 2: Commitment to Non-Discrimination
The City of Northfield reaffirms its commitment to non-discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression in all city policies, practices, and services, consistent with applicable state and local laws.
Section 3: Commitment to Safety and Well-being
The City of Northfield is committed to promoting the safety and well-being of its LGBTQIA+ residents and visitors. The City will strive to ensure that LGBTQIA+ individuals have equitable access to public services, accommodations, and opportunities without fear of harassment or discrimination.
Section 4: Limitation of Cooperation with Discriminatory Actions
To the extent permitted by law, the City of Northfield will limit its cooperation with any federal or state actions that are primarily aimed at discriminating against LGBTQIA+ individuals or hindering their access to essential services, including but not limited to gender-affirming healthcare.
Section 5: Public Awareness and Education
The City of Northfield encourages and supports efforts to raise public awareness and promote understanding and acceptance of the LGBTQIA+ community within the city.
Section 6: Review and Implementation
The City Administrator, in consultation with relevant city departments and community stakeholders, is directed at an ongoing review of existing city policies and practices and to recommend any necessary updates or new initiatives to further support the goals of this resolution.
Section 7: Severability
If any provision of this resolution is held to be invalid, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City Clerk is hereby directed to transmit a copy of this resolution to the Governor of the State of Minnesota, the Minnesota State Legislature, and other relevant entities to express Northfield's commitment to the LGBTQIA+ community.
Adopted by the City Council of the City of Northfield this Tuesday, July 15, 2025.
[Signature of Mayor]
Attest:
[Signature of City Clerk]
Alternative Options:
NA
Financial Impacts:
NA
Tentative Timelines:
June 25- Review and Recommend Resolution Amendment to City Council
July 15- Council Approve Resolution