On Feb. 19, Columbia City Council approved Bill 16-24, an ordinance designating Columbia as a safe haven for the LGBTQ+ community. 

The ordinance was drafted using “the core language that was provided by the supporters,” according to City Counselor Nancy Thompson, and it primarily serves to “[declare] the city as a safe haven for free speech and expression; [and to express] support for the LGBTQ community.”

The ordinance states that it will only abide by potentially harmful policies as required by state law, and when required to do so, it  “will be the lowest priority within the City.”

These policies include prosecution for receiving or providing gender affirming care, and collecting or distributing information regarding the assigned sex at birth of any individual when not medically necessary. 

Thompson said that the ordinance does not grant unique privileges to members of the LGBTQ+ community or contradict state law. Additionally, Thompson said that the Columbia city code already recognizes protections for individuals regardless of sex, gender identity or expression and sexual orientation.

The ordinance was originally proposed in Nov. 2023, and the Columbia Commission on Human Rights and Disabilities Commission have both unanimously approved it, according to Thompson. 

The ordinance recognizes the “evidence-based medical necessity” of gender affirming care for youth, the increase in violence against the LGBTQ+ community and the disproportionately high mental health struggles in LGBTQ+ individuals, especially youth. 

Edited by Genevieve Smith | gsmith@themaneater.com

Copy edited by Sterling Sewell | ssewell@themaneater.com 

Edited by Sophie Rentschler | srentschler@gmail.com