The Democratic mayor of Seattle has introduced a city ordinance aimed at enhancing protections for individuals seeking transgender care and surgeries, while criticizing the Trump administration for its “hateful, dangerous, and discriminatory attacks” on the LGBTQ+ community. Mayor Bruce Harrell, who campaigned as a moderate and prioritized public safety and support for local businesses, has expressed previous support for transgender care. His election followed significant unrest in the city, including riots after George Floyd’s death and the establishment of the Capitol Hill Autonomous Zone, compounded by the challenges posed by the pandemic.
Described as a shift towards the center compared to Seattle’s more left-leaning leaders, Harrell’s proposed legislation has drawn both praise and criticism. Critics, like conservative radio host Jason Rantz, have characterized the ordinance as “extreme” but “mostly toothless,” suggesting it may serve as a form of virtue signaling to appeal to Seattle progressives. The legislation was prompted by President Trump’s executive order cutting federal funding for providers of transgender healthcare for individuals under 19.
Mayor Harrell emphasized the importance of Seattle’s reputation as an inclusive city for the LGBTQ+ community and the need to safeguard access to essential healthcare services. The proposed ordinance builds on existing protections in Washington state and aims to shield transgender individuals and healthcare providers from prosecution. It also aligns with previous efforts, such as a bill signed in 2022 that designated interference in reproductive or transgender care as a misdemeanor offense.
Despite the impact of Trump’s executive orders on transgender healthcare, legal challenges have arisen, with some hospitals pausing services to avoid funding losses. Harrell’s office, along with the Trump administration, did not immediately comment on the proposed ordinance.
