A Philadelphia city councilmember introduced a resolution on Nov. 21 to reinforce protections for marginalized communities amid potential policy shifts under president-elect Donald Trump’s incoming Trump administration. Rue Landau, the city’s first openly LGBTQ+ councilmember, presented the measure during a City Council session, authorizing the Committee on Law and Government to hold hearings on the city’s preparedness to safeguard immigrants, LGBTQ+ individuals, and reproductive freedoms.
“As we face the uncertainty of the political landscape, our city must ensure that every resident, regardless of their background or identity, feels safe and supported,” Landau said in a statement. “Philadelphia has a proud history of standing up for justice and inclusion, and these hearings will be a vital step in reaffirming those values.”
The hearings, scheduled for January 2025 before Trump’s second inauguration, will bring together city officials, community leaders and advocacy groups. The sessions aim to evaluate current policies, address potential vulnerabilities, and develop strategies to protect at-risk populations.
The resolution reflects growing concerns over Trump’s stated policy goals, including limiting gender recognition to male and female, militarized deportation efforts targeting millions of immigrants, and restricting access to reproductive healthcare. With Republicans controlling Congress and a conservative majority in the Supreme Court, advocates fear significant setbacks for marginalized groups.
A statement from Landau’s office states, “With so much on the chopping block, and the GOP’s full control of Congress as well as a right-leaning SCOTUS, municipal preparedness is paramount.”
