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 que...
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