First Reading of Erie City Resolution Proposed by Susannah Faulkner for Making Erie PA an LGBTQ+ Sanctuary City

On Wednesday, July 19, 2023, at 7:30 PM, Erie City Council will consider a resolution proposed by Councilmember Susannah Faulkner to make the City of Erie PA a sanctuary city for LGBTQ+ people. The meeting will be held at Erie City Hall, 626 State Street, Erie PA. The proposed resolution states that Erie City Council is firmly committed to protecting human rights for all individuals. It also states that if levels of government above the city (Erie County, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania or United States Government) pass hostile human rights laws that impose civil/criminal punishments or fines on LGBTQ+ individuals, the Erie City Council urges the Erie City Police Chief to make enforcement of there laws their lowest priority. The resolution also states that the City of Erie should be considered a safe place for LGBTQ+ individuals and families.

The resolution was prompted by recent hostile actions taken against LGBTQ+ people, including 491 anti-LGBTQ+ bills in 46 states in the 2023 current legislative session (including three in the Pennsylvania General Assembly), as well as the removal of the Read with Pride display at Blasco Public Library.

If the resolution were to pass the second reading, Erie would be the first municipality in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania