Sacramento (March 26, 2024) - With a unanimous vote, members of the City Council Tuesday declared Sacramento a sanctuary city and a place of safety for transgender people.

By adopting the resolution, proposed by Councilmember Katie Valenzuela, Sacramento commits to not using city resources to detain individuals seeking gender-affirming care or to assist in enforcing discriminatory laws in other jurisdictions.

“This is not a symbolic gesture; this is a binding resolution that is more critical today than it ever has been,” said Councilmember Valenzuela. “I am very proud of our state Legislature for how they have stepped up to pass laws to protect many communities, including our LGBTQ+ community - but it isn’t enough. I am honored to bring forward this resolution to declare the City of Sacramento a sanctuary city for transgender people.”

Mayor Darrell Steinberg and his colleagues said they are trying to make Sacramento a place where everyone feels welcome. “There is nothing more important for people — especially young people — knowing they are loved and accepted for who they are,” Mayor Steinberg said.

The move aligns Sacramento with a growing number of municipalities nationwide that are actively working to safeguard the rights of transgender individuals amid escalating discrimination and threats in other parts of the country.

California state law allows for access to gender-affirming healthcare and prohibits insurance exclusions for such care. Moreover, SB107, passed in 2022, protects individuals seeking sanctuary in the state from out-of-state prosecution, preventing law enforcement agencies from engaging in arrests or extraditions related to out-of-state warrants based on laws opposing gender-affirming healthcare in California.

Dozens of community members spoke in favor of the resolution. Denny Mangers, a longtime leader in the arts and LGBTQ+ community, was among those lauding the city’s decision. “I am proud that my city has stepped up and is willing to accept responsibility of providing sanctuary to other Americans.”

Ebony Harper, executive director of California TRANSends and board member of the Transgender Law Center, described her own traumatic teenage years and said she has worked to create a more supportive environment for transgender youth.

“People act like children can’t make their own decisions. We did. We left home because home was abusive, and we formed our own communities. I advocate so there won’t be any other Ebonys like that,” Harper said.

Dr. Corrine McIntosh Sako, a licensed psychologist and community health advocate, said rejection by family and community can lead to disastrous health consequences for teens.

“Forty-one percent of LGBTQ young people seriously considered committing suicide in the past year. And the rates for those who are transgender, nonbinary, and people of color are higher than their peers.”