In a unanimous decision, the Sacramento City Council has voted to declare Sacramento a "sanctuary city for transgender people." The resolution, which has immediate effect, ensures that the city's resources will not be used to criminalize transgender individuals seeking transition-related care, nor will it cooperate with jurisdictions that enforce laws criminalizing such care elsewhere.

The move comes as conservative lawmakers across the country have enacted laws to restrict gender-affirming care for minors, including surgeries and hormone replacement therapy. According to the LGBTQ think tank Movement Advancement Project, 24 states currently impose limitations on gender-affirming care for transgender youths.

While California has been at the forefront of protecting transgender rights, many states are moving in the opposite direction. The resolution states that the City of Sacramento aims to be proactive in safeguarding transgender rights and equal protections, particularly in anticipation of future legislation that may criminalize gender-affirming care.

Supporters of the measure have applauded the council's decision, acknowledging the city's commitment to the LGBTQ+ community. Sacramento Councilmember Katie Valenzuela, who introduced the resolution, expressed her pride in representing a city that prioritizes inclusivity and safety for everyone.

Opponents of the resolution argue that gender-affirming care can be harmful to children. Members of a Sacramento chapter of Moms for Liberty, a conservative group focused on school curricula, voiced their concerns, emphasizing the belief that individuals cannot be born in the "wrong body."

While debates surrounding the prohibition of gender-affirming care for minors continue in state legislatures, major U.S. medical associations, including the American Medical Association, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the American Psychological Association, have consistently expressed support for transition-related care. Both the AMA and APA have classified it as medically necessary.

This move by the Sacramento City Council aligns them with other governmental bodies that have passed similar measures to protect transgender rights and access to gender-affirming care. According to the Movement Advancement Project, 14 states and Washington, D.C., have enacted legislation commonly referred to as "shield laws" to protect such access.

By declaring itself a sanctuary city for transgender people, Sacramento sends a powerful signal of support to its transgender community. It underscores the city's commitment to safeguarding individuals' rights and further solidifies its reputation as a progressive and inclusive city.