BY COUNCIL MEMBERS BROWN, CARTER, GARZA, HUSSAIN, JACKSON, KOST, PEHLIVANOGLU AND SPADAFORE

RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LANSING RESOLUTION DECLARING THE CITY OF LANSING AS AN LGBTQ+ WELCOMING CITY 

WHEREAS, the City of Lansing welcomes people of all backgrounds and believes that diversity is one of our greatest strengths; and 

WHEREAS, Lansing thrives when all residents and visitors are safe from violence, discrimination, and intimidation; and 

WHEREAS, threats against Lansing’s LGBTQ+ community and LGBTQ-supportive businesses have been on the rise, fueled by harmful rhetoric at the state and federal levels that emboldens bigotry, intimidation, and vandalism, causing emotional harm, property damage, and economic loss; and 

WHEREAS, the Lansing City Council strongly condemns all acts of violence, harassment, or intimidation against the LGBTQ+ community and reaffirms that every individual has the right to live freely and safely in our city; and 

WHEREAS, the City of Lansing recognizes that, in the face of inadequate state and federal protections, we must take proactive steps to safeguard our most vulnerable residents; and 

WHEREAS, any threats, harassment, discrimination, or acts of intimidation by City employees or by organizations receiving City funds will not be tolerated, and appropriate disciplinary or corrective action will be taken; and 

WHEREAS, the Lansing City Council encourages the City Administration and its departments to develop and implement pro-LGBTQ+ support policies, to ensure that existing business assistance programs are inclusive of and accessible to LGBTQ+- affirming businesses, and to appoint LGBTQ+ community members to City boards and commissions or establish an LGBTQ+ advisory board to ensure representation and inclusion in civic decision-making; and 

WHEREAS, the Lansing City Council supports the right of transgender and genderdiverse individuals to access gender-affirming care safely and without interference, and encourages the Administration to issue an executive order safeguarding access to such care, including prohibiting the use of City resources to block, investigate, prosecute,or detain any person seeking or providing gender-affirming treatment. 

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City of Lansing proudly welcomes and encourages members of the LGBTQ+ community to live, work, and thrive here. 

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that the Lansing City Council declares Lansing an LGBTQ+ Welcoming City, where every person’s identity and sexual orientation are supported and embraced, and where acts of hate or harassment have no place in our community.