ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Rochester City Council voted unanimously Tuesday to codify the city’s Sanctuary City policy — amending municipal code to firmly protect all Rochester residents from discrimination, regardless of country of origin, sexual orientation or gender identity as well as race and creed.
The resolution was designed to strengthen protections for immigrants and the LGBTQIA+ community. It also incorporates the New York State Equal Rights amendment into Rochester municipal code, by including protections for those who are or may become pregnant and any actions they may take.
The resolution’s introduction states that the ordinance will empower the city to “move beyond statements of support” and provide material support to targeted groups through policies and budgeting.
The ordinance would, among other moves, make it unlawful for police to arrest or detain someone solely for the purpose of enforcing federal immigration laws, and clarifies that any city employee who takes part in discriminatory actions against protected individuals will be disciplined and possibly removed. It forbids city personnel from asking about or requesting proof of immigration status or citizenship when providing services or benefits, except in certain circumstances.
“I’ve shaken the hands of fathers and mothers, people who are working hard, paying taxes, with no criminal records, who are grateful to be here, only to now face deportation. Some have been forced to sign deportation orders under threat. Fathers have been separated from their children … and again, these are people who had entered legally,” Council President Miguel Melendez said. “What was once called the American dream, for too many has become the un-American nightmare.”
Regarding LGBTQIA+ protections, the resolution says it protects the right to legally marry the person of one’s choice, participate in community and school athletic activities, access public facilities, pursue employment and economic opportunities, receive full healthcare (including gender-affirming care) and maintain privacy and bodily autonomy. It specifies that someone can’t be denied access to a bathroom, locker room or such consistent with their gender identity or expression. There are some exemptions for religious organizations and private institutions.
The vote in favor of the resolution was met with loud applause from the audience, some of whom had taken part in a rally before the council meeting encouraging the Sanctuary City ordinance.
A rally before Tuesday’s Rochester City Council meeting pressed for the strengthened Sanctuary City policy, codified as an ordinance. (Photo: WHEC)This article will be updated.
Rochester City Council strengthens its ‘Sanctuary City’ policy, LGBTQIA+ protections WHEC.com.
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