Posted on Jul 22, 2023
Lawrence declares itself a transgender safe haven and says it will not follow new Kansas law
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Lawrence, Kansas, will defy the state’s new requirement to force people to use gender-specific areas, such as restrooms, that don't align with their gender identity. The unanimous vote comes just a few months after the Kansas City Council made a similar declaration.
In a unanimous vote, the Lawrence City Commission has passed an ordinance declaring the city a safe haven “for all persons seeking shelter from the adversity of discrimination, in all its forms, including those persons affected by Senate Bill 180.”
The ordinance addresses a person’s sex or gender as they identify and does not require people to identify with their sex assigned at birth. In contrast, Kansas Senate Bill 180, which became law on July 1, defines a person’s sex as “biological sex, either male or female, at birth.”
In a unanimous vote, the Lawrence City Commission has passed an ordinance declaring the city a safe haven “for all persons seeking shelter from the adversity of discrimination, in all its forms, including those persons affected by Senate Bill 180.”
The ordinance addresses a person’s sex or gender as they identify and does not require people to identify with their sex assigned at birth. In contrast, Kansas Senate Bill 180, which became law on July 1, defines a person’s sex as “biological sex, either male or female, at birth.”
Lawrence declares itself a transgender safe haven and says it will not follow new Kansas law
Posted from kcur.org
Lawrence
Transgender
Gender
LGBTQ+
Posted 10 mo ago
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PO1 William "Chip" Nagel
..."Kansas City had to pass a resolution, compared to an ordinance, because the city does not have control over its police department — though the Kansas City Police Department has expressed its support.
Lawrence was able to pass an ordinance because they have control over their police department. The language in the ordinance includes “the city, its public officials, officers, employees, agents or contractors.”
Douglas County District Attorney Suzanne Valdez has previously stated: “Let me be clear. My office’s prosecutorial resources will not be used to prosecute anyone under SB 180.”
The room was filled with supporters of the Lawrence ordinance. Eight teary-eyed testimonies were made in support, including one from the First Presbyterian Church, an attorney, transgender people and cisgender allies.
“It makes me sad that we have to do this,” said Lawrence Mayor Lisa Larson. “Because people just want to live their lives and be left alone. This SB180 is nothing but fear and confusion. That’s all it is.”"
..."Kansas City had to pass a resolution, compared to an ordinance, because the city does not have control over its police department — though the Kansas City Police Department has expressed its support.
Lawrence was able to pass an ordinance because they have control over their police department. The language in the ordinance includes “the city, its public officials, officers, employees, agents or contractors.”
Douglas County District Attorney Suzanne Valdez has previously stated: “Let me be clear. My office’s prosecutorial resources will not be used to prosecute anyone under SB 180.”
The room was filled with supporters of the Lawrence ordinance. Eight teary-eyed testimonies were made in support, including one from the First Presbyterian Church, an attorney, transgender people and cisgender allies.
“It makes me sad that we have to do this,” said Lawrence Mayor Lisa Larson. “Because people just want to live their lives and be left alone. This SB180 is nothing but fear and confusion. That’s all it is.”"
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PO1 William "Chip" Nagel good day Brother William, always informational and of the most interesting. Thanks for sharing, have a blessed day!
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