Philadelphia City Council
11/21/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 11/21/2024 12:58
PHILADELPHIA COUNCILMEMBER RUE LANDAU INTRODUCES TRUMP PREPAREDNESS HEARING TO PROTECT MARGINALIZED GROUPS
(Philadelphia, PA) - Councilmember Rue Landau, Philadelphia's first openly LGBTQ+ councilmember, today introduced a resolution aimed at reinforcing the city's commitment to safeguarding vulnerable communities. The resolution, presented during today's City Council session, authorizes the Committee on Law and Government to hold hearings exploring Philadelphia's preparedness to protect immigrants, LGBTQ+ individuals, and to safeguard reproductive freedoms as the country braces for potentially significant and harsh policy shifts under the impending Trump Administration.
"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," said Councilmember Landau. "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 will take place in January 2025 before the inauguration, and will bring together city officials, community leaders, and advocacy groups to assess the city's policies and resources, address potential vulnerabilities, and develop proactive strategies to protect at-risk populations. The goal is to ensure that Philadelphia continues to serve as a safe haven and beacon of inclusivity as the second Trump term takes office.
President Donald Trump has indicated he will take aim at marginalized groups in a variety of ways, including mandating that "only genders recognized are male and female," authorizing the militarized deportation of millions of immigrants, and diminishing access to reproductive health care.
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.
Councilmember Landau's resolution aligns with her broader vision for a Philadelphia that prioritizes equity, safety, and opportunity for all. As a trailblazer in the LGBTQ+ community and an advocate for social justice, her leadership continues to inspire and uplift the voices of those who have long been underrepresented in public policy.
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