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3mo ago

Worcester Declares Itself a Sanctuary City for Transgender and Gender-Diverse People

The Massachusetts city council passed a resolution by a 9-2 vote, rejecting federal policies seen as harmful to transgender rights.

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President Donald Trump signs an executive order barring transgender female athletes from competing in women's or girls' sporting events, in the East Room of the White House, Wednesday, February 5, 2025, in Washington.
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Overview

  • The Worcester City Council voted 9-2 to designate the city as a sanctuary for transgender and gender-diverse individuals, pledging not to cooperate with policies that restrict gender-affirming care.
  • The resolution is symbolic and reiterates the city's commitment to protecting transgender rights, including access to healthcare and equal protections.
  • The vote followed a five-hour meeting attended by approximately 200 activists, with emotional testimonies emphasizing safety concerns under federal policies.
  • President Donald Trump's recent executive orders, including limiting federal funding for youth gender transitions and banning transgender athletes in women's sports, were cited as motivations for the resolution.
  • Councilor-at-Large Thu Nguyen, the city's first openly nonbinary council member, returned from a hiatus citing transphobia to vote in favor of the measure.