City of Olympia
OLYMPIA, WA – The City of Olympia has officially declared itself a sanctuary city for
LGBTQIA+ individuals, joining a small group of jurisdictions nationwide that have taken similar
steps. The City Council unanimously passed the resolution Tuesday, a month after community
members urged leaders to expand protections.
Assistant City Manager Stacey Ray presented the resolution, which reaffirms Olympia’s
commitment to ensuring that all individuals, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity,
feel safe and supported.
“You asked for a collaborative approach to developing the resolution that reflects our
community’s values, needs, and voice,” Ray said. “This resolution meets all three requests.”
The resolution includes a series of statements affirming LGBTQIA2S+ rights and acknowledges
the discrimination and systemic barriers that members of the community continue to face. It also
commits the city to oppose legislation that threatens LGBTQIA2S+ rights and pledges to
maintain an ongoing dialogue with community leaders.
Mayor Dontae Payne, who identifies as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, called the
decision a “historic moment” and emphasized the need for continued action.
“I look forward to a day when these types of actions at the local level are not necessary because
our federal government is attacking us,” Payne said.
Community organizations, including the local PFLAG chapter, voiced strong support for the
measure. Lucas Miller, a PFLAG board member, noted an increase in families relocating to
Olympia from states with restrictive LGBTQIA+ laws.
“We stand ready to welcome those seeking a newer and safer home,” Miller said.
Olympia joins New York State, Kansas City, and Ithaca, New York, as one of the few
jurisdictions in the U.S. to formally adopt sanctuary status for LGBTQIA+ individuals.