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Declare the City of Portland will defend the rights of transgender people and all of the LGBTQIA2S+ community
WHEREAS, the City of Portland recognizes the inherent worth and equal rights of all people, including transgender people and all LGBTQIA2S+ people, and seeks to provide a safe and welcoming environment for those who reside in, work in, or visit the City; and
WHEREAS, thus far in the 2026 legislative session, 420 anti-LGBTQIA2S+ bills have been introduced in state legislatures across the country; and
WHEREAS in U.S. v. Skrmetti, the Supreme Court attacked the civil liberties of the transgender community by upholding the state bans on vital, evidence-based, life-saving gender-affirming healthcare for youth; and
WHEREAS, the City of Portland has a long history of supporting the LGBTQIA2S+ community, and specifically the transgender community, in ways that include but are not limited to, celebrating of Pride and Transgender Day of Visibility in Portland City Council Chambers, providing robust gender affirming care employee benefits, supporting pro-LGBTQIA2S+ legislation, supporting the development of an LGBTQIA2S+ Program within the Office of Equity, providing training opportunities for staff to learn how to be strong allies to the LGBTQIA2S+ community, developing strong Human Resources Administrative Rules that affirm that no City employee can be discriminated against based on gender identity or gender expression in any aspect of employment, supporting the LGBTQ+ Historic Sites Project, and providing support for community spaces that honor the contributions of LGBTQIA2S+ Portlanders; and
WHEREAS, Chapter 23 of Portland City Code states that "It is the policy of the City to eliminate discrimination based on race, religion, color, sex, marital status, familial status, national origin, age, mental or physical disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or source of income. Such discrimination poses a threat to the health, safety and general welfare of Portland community members and menaces the institutions and foundation of our community."; and
WHEREAS, the City of Portland supports the Oregon Legislature's demonstrated commitment to protecting transgender and LGBTQIA2S+ people including but not limited to the passage of the LGBTQIA2S+ Student Success plan, the Oregon Equality Act, the Oregon Family Fairness Act, and House Bill 2002 (2023) which clarifies and protects provider and patient rights in regard to gender-affirming care and requires insurance coverage of medically necessary gender-affirming care, as well as the prohibition of conversion therapy; and
WHEREAS, the City of Portland unequivocally supports the LGBTQIA2S+ community members and their families who are fleeing anti-LGBTQIA2S+ States and Cities, and affirms the right for these people to live in a city that is supportive and welcoming; and
WHEREAS, the City of Portland unequivocally supports the rights of individuals to seek, obtain, or provide gender-affirming care that is legal in the state of Oregon; and
WHEREAS, the City of Portland unequivocally supports the right of LGBTQIA2S+ young people to be affirmed in their identities; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City will, in a manner consistent with Oregon and federal law, prohibit the use of City funds, facilities, properties, personnel, technology, or equipment to enforce or facilitate the collection of any out-of-state judgment entered, or criminal investigation, or prosecution in another state to the extent the judgment, investigation, or prosecution arises out of other jurisdictions' criminalization or penalization of transgender, non-binary, and gender non-conforming people access to healthcare that is lawful in Oregon. Identical protections shall apply to any other persons or entities who provide support to transgender, non-binary, and gender non-conforming people to access healthcare that is lawful in Oregon; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED the City of Portland calls on the State to continue passing legislation that protects the rights of LGBTQIA2S+ people, especially transgender people, and continue to provide resources to community organizations that directly support the health and well-being of the LGBTQIA2S+ community; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED the City of Portland reaffirms its commitment to LGBTQIA2S+ equity and commitment to fostering a community where all people, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity can live authentically and thrive.
Official record (Efiles)
Impact Statement
Purpose of proposed legislation and background information
The Resolution reiterates and supports previous resolutions supporting the LGBTQIA2S+ community, especially the transgender and nonbinary community. The Resolution clarifies and reiterates current law enforcement practices and reaffirms a commitment to practices consistent with Oregon law. The City is prohibited from using resources to support the prosecution or penalization of transgender, non-binary, and gender non-conforming people's access to healthcare that is lawful in Oregon.
The purpose is to express the City Council's support the LGTBQIA2S+ community, and clarify current practices and procedures.
Financial and budgetary impacts
There are no anticipated financial nor budgetary impacts for the City. Staffing levels are unaffected, and staff time is not required by the Resolution's directives.
Economic and real estate development impacts
Not applicable.
Community impacts and community involvement
Predecessor versions of this Resolution were initially drafted in collaboration between Commissioner Mapps' Office and the Office of Equity and Human Rights staff in 2022, with revisions continuing through 2023-2025. Community engagement was spearheaded by OEHR staff. Staff had conversations with local LGBTQIA2S+ organizations, including, but not limited to, Basic Rights Oregon, the Organization for Polyamory and Ethical Non-monogamy, and the American Civil Liberties Union. Organizations raised concerns that the resolution did not go far enough in expanding protections for the LGBTQIA2S+ community. Additionally, organizations raised the concern that the City of Portland's commitment to equity did not include financial support for LGBTQIA2S+-led organizations advancing LGBTQIA2S+ equity.
Community organizations expressed support for expanding definitions of family status. However, organizations also expressed concern that, without an explicit expanded definition of family, the ordinance and resolution could unintentionally exclude non-discrimination protections for multi-partner families.
100% renewable goal
Not applicable.
Economic and real estate development analysis
Analysis provided by Prosper Portland
An Economic and Real Estate Development Impact Analysis was not submitted for this proposed action. Pursuant to City Council Resolution 37664, Prosper Portland staff has reviewed the action and agree that it does not require an Economic and Real Estate Development Impact Analysis.
Document history
Document number: 2026-074
President's referral: City Council