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Bellingham crafting ordinance bolstering protections for marginalized residents
As conservatives across the nation move to end diversity in employment and limit the rights of immigrants, transgender people and other minority groups, the city of Bellingham is developing new protections for its marginalized community members.
Councilwoman Hannah Stone has been drafting language for a citywide ordinance in response to several weeks of testimony from transgender residents and their supporters at recent City Council meetings.
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The City Council is scheduled to get its first glimpse of at least part of the proposed measure Monday, along with a chance to vote on a revised 2017 resolution that Stone is using to guide her efforts, according to the published agenda for the meeting at 7 p.m. Monday at City Hall, 210 Lottie St.
'Whereas, the City Council is considering adoption of an ordinance and creation of a chapter of the Bellingham Municipal Code relating to city policy regarding equal protection and provision of services regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression; and the above-mentioned ordinance is currently undergoing legal review and will be brought forward at a subsequent council meeting for review by the full council and the administration. The proposed ordinance relates specifically to city policy with respect to equal protection and provision of services regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression and the creation of a new chapter of the Bellingham Municipal Code regarding related LGBTQ+ matters.'
Stone told The Herald that she is hoping the ordinance will be ready for the council's June 23 meeting.
Stone has been working on the ordinance mostly by herself because state law prevents elected officials from discussing most legislation away from the public eye.
Consideration of the revised resolution and a new ordinance stem from a campaign that began April 14 during the public comment section of City Council meetings, where anyone can speak on most any topic for three minutes. Speakers offered more than seven hours of deeply personal stories of pain and bigotry they face over three meetings in April and May.
During the council's April 14 meeting, Cori Lovejoy of Bellingham described death threats made against her, her friends and family.
'What's happening nationally is emboldening this anti-trans movement and transphobia. I'd like to travel to Georgia to visit my sister. I'd like to go visit my friends in Utah. And I cant. I can't legally use the restrooms there,' she said.
Selene Etheridge of Bellingham drafted a resolution to protect trans rights and has been soliciting support online through her website Trans Survival.
'This resolution is an opportunity, a beautiful moment in which we can affirm the sanctuary of Bellingham to a people in need,' Etheridge told the council on April 28. 'To be transgender is to be politicized. Now, more than ever, we are engaging in politics on local and federal levels, all while the queer community of Bellingham looks to leaders on our government who will look to their needs and stand in their defense. Passing this resolution would give notice to all transgender people living in fear that Bellingham is safer (and) more accepting.'
During interviews with Herald reporters, Etheridge said that she pushed the council to act 'not for myself, but for people I saw as endangered. I feel privileged to live in a community that embraces and celebrates trans people.'
Stone aims to strengthen Bellingham resolution 2017-10, which states the city 'will not turn our backs on immigrants, regardless of documentation status.' In addition, the 2017 measure advocates for gender equality, supports 'reproductive justice;' addresses workplace discrimination and violence against women; says the city will 'protect the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals' and that 'Black Lives Matter.' It also addresses climate change, hate speech and union rights, tribal rights, mental health and the criminal justice system.
In a May 19 presentation to the council on her progress toward drafting the ordinance, Stone said that she was including elements of Etheridge's proposed trans sanctuary resolution, along with language from previous resolutions into a measure that has wider scope.
'I don't ever want to do something that is just to sort of check a box and say that we've done something and move forward,' Stone told her colleagues. 'If we're going to take on the work, I want that to be meaningfully done and something that would stand (the test of) time. If we pass a resolution and then don't take the next steps to take the action needed, then it's not nearly as meaningful or impactful for our community.'
Stone praised Etheridge and other speakers who have addressed council members in support of the trans sanctuary proposal.
'Over the last couple of weeks, the stories that have been shared and the comments that have been shared have been very impactful and very compelling. I think it's been eye-opening for the community at large,' Stone said.
Spokane and Olympia have approved similar measures. Franklin County rejected a sanctuary ordinance, although it was mostly aimed at protecting immigrants.
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In a phone call, City Council President Hollie Huthman said it was time to stand up for the city's most vulnerable residents.
'There's a little bit more of an appetite for making sure that we are upholding not only our values but being loud and proud about them. We're continuing to have conversations with our trans community members (but) we're past the point of needing to be convinced,' she told The Herald.
Michelle Harmeier of the Bellingham Queer Collective told The Herald that Etheridge and others have brought a humanity to their efforts.
'They're doing a really beautiful job, approaching it with kindness and sincerity. You have to confront it, otherwise you are complicit,' Harmeier said.
