Measure taken in direct response to federal actions, resident concerns

Today, Council President Sara Nelson (Position 9) praised legislation passed by the full Council strengthening protections from harmful federal actions, specifically for people seeking reproductive health care and gender-affirming treatment. The amended bill, co-sponsored with Councilmember Cathy Moore (District 5) and Councilmember Maritza Rivera (District 4), creates a firewall preventing City employees from being used to enforce harmful and restrictive laws from other jurisdictions. This proposal builds on Washington State’s Shield Law.  

“This legislation sends a clear message: Seattle is and will remain a safe harbor for communities under relentless attacks from the Trump Administration and its allies.” said Council President Nelson. “Seattle has long-been a welcoming city, offering services and support to any one in need. This proposal will defend vulnerable people from anti-choice and anti-transgender policies that do not reflect our values or needs as a community.”  

“Today we took an unequivocal stance in support of reproductive health and gender affirming treatment in Seattle,” said Councilmember Rivera. “This care is critical to the well-being of our residents. I want to thank the LGBTQ Commission for their partnership on this legislation. During this difficult time, we must reaffirm our commitment to our Trans community and those seeking reproductive care. This is the right thing to do.”

“I was proud to cosponsor this legislation to send an explicit message that Seattle will protect the reproductive and gender affirming care rights of all of our residents,” said Councilmember Moore. “We will not tolerate the Trump administration’s erasure of our LGBTQ+ community nor the ongoing attacks on vital reproductive healthcare. I want to thank the LGBTQ Commission for their leadership and strong advocacy on this legislation.”

Key provisions of the ordinance include: 

• Clarifies that Washington state’s Shield Law is enforceable at City level.
• Prohibits all City employees — including those in public health, social services, and law enforcement — from cooperating with out-of-state attempts to penalize reproductive or gender-affirming care that is legal in Washington. 

For example, under these new protections, a City employee will be prohibited from releasing health records or identifying information in response to an out-of-state court order targeting someone who received gender-affirming care in Seattle. The same scenario will apply to law enforcement.  

The City Attorney’s Office (CAO) will be a key partner, ensuring these protections are upheld. The CAO will also be empowered to seek court intervention to protect a City employee in situations where they are directed to violate Chapter 14.115. 

“This bill is a backstop to the state Shield law and reaffirms the City’s commitment,” said Seattle City Attorney Ann Davison.

This ordinance builds on Seattle’s longstanding commitment to protect all communities, reaffirming the City’s dedication to equity, safety, and access for all. 

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