Mayor Darrell Steinberg’s statement regarding sponsorship controversy

Here is Mayor Darrell Steinberg’s statement regarding the sponsorship controversy invoilving Dignity Health and the downtown ice rink.

“Dignity Health does many good things in our community. They provide health care to the poor and continue to be major providers to our homeless population. We can acknowledge their good work and still strongly disagree with one of their policies.

I have never compromised my views on civil rights and will not now.

I strongly disagree with Dignity’s policy to not provide transgender surgery in all of its hospitals. I respect the free exercise of religious beliefs. Religion should never outweigh or override the obligation of those who serve the public to treat everyone, especially vulnerable populations, equally. That includes providing full equal treatment for transgender people. Dignity Health should change its policy and provide transgender surgery in all its hospitals.

The Downtown Sacramento Partnership is in a difficult position. They are simply trying to enliven our downtown with community amenities that draw people in to help support local business after a rough pandemic. We will work with the Downtown Sacramento Partnership to find funding for the ice rink after the completion of the current contract.

I also think it is very important that Dignity Health continue to hear from the broader LGBTQ community about the history and pain around the unending battle for civil rights for the transgender community. I will gladly host or cohost a public or less public conversation where Dignity can hear directly from the community.”

- Mayor Darrell Steinberg