Florida city declares itself a sanctuary city for LGBTQ people: 'A safe place'

A southeastern Florida city declared itself a sanctuary for LGBTQ people and their families, the first of its kind in a state where advocates say laws and policies are openly targeting the gay community.

Lake Worth Beach commissioners voted unanimously on Tuesday to declare the city a safe haven for the community. The city is the first municipality in Florida to officially announce itself as a sanctuary city for LGBTQ people, according to a news release from the Palm Beach County Human Rights Council.

“The City of Lake Worth Beach shall now and forever be considered a safe place, a sanctuary, a welcoming and supportive city for LGBTQ+ individuals and their families to live in peace and comfort," the resolution states. The news release also noted that residents in Tallahassee are pushing for a similar declaration.

The announcement, which is largely symbolic, follows a flood of anti-LGBTQ legislation throughout the country. In June, the country's largest gay rights organization issued a "state of emergency," following an "unprecedented and dangerous" spike of anti-LGBTQ laws this year.

Lake Worth Beach's resolution cites data from the American Civil Liberties Union, which tracked more than 490 bills targeting LGBTQ rights in the United States. Many of the bills affect education or health care and have since become law.

The local resolution also cites research from the Trevor Project, a nonprofit organization that focuses on suicide prevention efforts for the LGBTQ community. The nonprofit conducted surveys in 2022 and found that 86% of transgender and nonbinary youth reported negative mental health impacts from anti-LGBTQ political debates and laws, while 45% of LGBTQ youth seriously considered attempting suicide in the past year.

“With so many LGBTQ+ people and allies fleeing Florida for less hostile states, we are thrilled Lake Worth Beach Mayor (Betty) Resch and the city commissioners continue to work to ensure the health, safety and well-being of LGBTQ+ people and our families,” said Rand Hoch, founder and president of the Human Rights Council

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2023/09/07/lgbtq-sanctuary-city-florida/70789322007/

In your face, DeSatan!