This blog originally appeared at WFAA.
Kansas City’s new sanctuary status sets it apart as a Democratic-leaning city in a state with a Republican governor and GOP-controlled Legislature.
In a bold move, officials in Kansas City, Missouri, have passed a resolution declaring the city a sanctuary for individuals seeking or providing gender-affirming care, despite a recent state-level ban on such care for minors. The 12 to 1 vote demonstrates the city’s commitment to being an inclusive and safe haven for the transgender and LGBTQ+ community, setting it apart from the state’s Republican-led government.
Similar actions have been taken in other cities across the country where there is opposition to state-level restrictions on transgender rights. This sanctuary status aligns Kansas City with places like Austin, Texas, that have taken a stand against legislation limiting transgender healthcare options.
Governor Mike Parson, a Republican, is expected to sign the ban on gender-affirming care into law, making Missouri one of over 16 states to enact similar restrictions or bans for minors. Meanwhile, a judge is currently reviewing a proposed emergency rule from the state’s Attorney General, which would impose additional requirements and a lengthy therapy process before individuals can access gender-affirming treatments.
Credit: AP
Supporters of a resolution that would make Kansas City, Mo, a sanctuary city for transgender people celebrate outside of city council chambers.
The recently passed resolution ensures that Kansas City will not prosecute or penalize anyone seeking, providing, or receiving gender-affirming care, including puberty blockers, hormones, or surgeries. Moreover, if the state enacts laws or resolutions imposing punishments or fines, city personnel have committed to making enforcement of such requirements their lowest priority.
Opponents of gender-affirming care, typically Republican lawmakers, argue that they are safeguarding children from decisions they may later regret. However, gender-affirming care for minors has been available in the United States for more than a decade and is supported by major medical associations.
Kansas City’s sanctuary status represents a significant step forward in protecting the rights and healthcare options of transgender individuals. By openly defying state legislation and providing a safe haven for gender-affirming care, the city is sending a powerful message of inclusivity and support for the LGBTQ+ community. The outcome of this resolution and ongoing legal battles will have broader implications for the rights and well-being of transgender individuals across the state of Missouri and potentially influence the national conversation on transgender healthcare rights.
“This is an important first step in Kansas City’s commitment to trans and nonbinary people,” Merrique Jenson, founder of Transformations KC, said in a written statement after the vote. “I look forward to trans leaders and Kansas City working together to address the health disparities in our communities and ways we can have sustainable funding & programming reaching all trans people.”
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