 designating their city as a “safe haven” for LGBTQ+ people.){kind=link}
On April 16, Allentown’s city council adopted a resolution (R48-2025) designating their city as a “safe haven” for LGBTQ+ people. The resolution was introduced by Councilmember Natalie Santos, and lobbied for by a coalition of LGBTQ+ organizations, including the Eastern PA Trans Equity Project and Keystone Equality. The vote was essentially unanimous, 6-0, with one councilmember being absent.
The resolution, in part, says, “NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the City Council of Allentown firmly states its commitment to protecting human rights for all individuals and believes that access to healthcare, education, and peaceful enjoyment of their lives are fundamental rights to all people in the City. The City of Allentown hereby reiterates its commitment to LGBTQ+ rights and equal protections for LGBTQ+ community members and declares itself a safe city for LGBTQ+ people to live and seek care; and
“BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the City of Allentown shall now and forever be
considered a safe place and supportive city for the LGBTQ+ individuals and their families to live in peace and comfort; and
“BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Council hereby declare the City of Allentown a Safe Haven for Transgender and Non-Binary people and their families; and
“BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Council hereby declares the City of Allentown a Safe Haven for Gender-Affirming Healthcare…”
The resolution then goes on to enumerate a number of policies and guidelines for gender-affirming health care that city officials, employees and citizens should follow. While council resolutions do not have the force of law or ordinance, they do make clear that city government’s intent to abide by the enumerated policies and guidelines. The resolution also encourages county and state officials to support the intent of R-48.
At the council meeting where the vote on R-48 was to be taken, Corinne Goodwin, executive director and founder of the Eastern PA Trans Equity Project, read a statement in support of the resolution.
The statement read, in part, “Allentown has always been a leader in terms of protecting the rights of its citizens to be free from the fear of discrimination. Unfortunately, our human relations ordinance, as it is currently written, does not contemplate these situations.
“That is why I am sincerely asking that Allentown join the cities of Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Erie, and the borough of State College to quickly pass this resolution instructing city personnel to pursue reasonable actions that would shield its LGBTQ+ citizens, health practitioners and local agencies from persecution by other jurisdictions. I am asking you to take action to protect some of the most vulnerable amongst us.
“I also encourage Council to reevaluate the City’s current nondiscrimination protection ordinance and update it to reflect current terminology and issues while ensuring that the Human Relations Commission is fully staffed and ready to handle any complaints that would head its way.”
Members of the advocacy organizations also lobbied Allentown Mayor Matthew Tuerk (D) for his support. After some concerns were addressed, Tuerk eventually came out in favor of the resolution.
PGN reached out to Councilmember Santos, but no response had been received to repeated requests for comment.
Goodwin expressed optimism that if the response to the resolution is positive, the council may be open to revisiting the issue in the future and potentially passing similar legally binding legislation.