FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 26, 2025
MEDIA CONTACT
Maria Lee, Media & Communications, maria.lee@cityoftacoma.org, (253) 591-2054
At-Large Council Member Olgy Diaz and District 4 Council Member Sandesh Sadalge on
the Adoption of Resolution 41627 and Substitute Resolution 41628
TACOMA, Wash – On February 25, the Tacoma City Council adopted Resolution 41627 and Substitute Resolution 41628.
Resolution 41627 aligns City policy with Washington state law – specifically RCW 43.17.425(1) – which restricts state agencies, including law enforcement, from using agency funds, facilities, property, equipment, or personnel to investigate, enforce, cooperate with, or assist in the investigation or enforcement of any federal registration or surveillance programs or any other laws, rules, or policies that target Washington residents solely on the basis of race, religion, immigration, or citizenship status, or national or ethnic origin, excluding the collection, use, or disclosure of information that is required to comply with state or federal law, or in response to a lawfully issued court order.
“The City of Tacoma believes in inclusivity, tolerance, and compassion for all residents. The diversity of our people and cultures is a critical part of who we are as a city,” said District 4 Council Member Sadalge, who brought Resolution 41627 forward in partnership with his Council colleagues. “After extensive outreach to impacted communities, I decided to bring forward this resolution to set a policy consistent with state law. Now is a critical time to make this policy statement. This resolution is a clear directive to current and future City Managers on where the City stands on this issue. By passing this resolution, the Tacoma City Council makes clear our belief that everyone has the right to live peacefully and without fear, and we condemn the persecution of many others around the world who face extreme barriers and inequitable treatment on account of their race, religion, immigration or citizenship status, or national or ethnic origin, and other intrinsic identities.”
Substitute Resolution 41628 affirms and reaffirms the City’s commitment to supporting all individuals regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, so that they feel safe and supported; its commitment to diversity, inclusion, and justice, fostering an environment where all members of our community can live authentically and without fear of discrimination or harm; its commitment to celebrating the racial, cultural, and socioeconomic diversity within Tacoma’s LGBTQIA2S+ community and protecting the civil rights of Tacoma’s LGBTQIA2S+ community.
“Tacoma stands up for the rights of our transgender community, especially our transgender youth, as they are under direct attack and erasure by the federal government. I am thankful to live in a community that welcomes and celebrates our lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, intersex, asexual, and two-spirit community,” said At-Large Council Member Diaz, who brought Substitute Resolution 41628 forward in partnership with her Council colleagues. “The policy we set builds on decades of work, including work at the state to adopt Washington’s Law Against Discrimination, and one of my first policies here at the City to protect access to health care facilities for those seeking gender affirming care. We all know that despite our city and state’s leadership, LGBTQIA2S+ individuals face ongoing discrimination, violence, and systemic barriers that threaten their safety, well-being, and human rights. It is critical that we as a Council take action at this moment in history. By passing this resolution, the City of Tacoma says, in no uncertain terms, ‘We are committed to fostering a community where all individuals are treated with dignity, equity, and respect, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.’”
Community members with questions about Resolution 41627 or Substitute Resolution 41628 can contact Senior Council Policy Analyst Lynda Foster at lfoster@cityoftacoma.org or (253) 591-5166.
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