HomeMy WebLinkAboutSupporting Transgender Rights PROCLAMATION
WHEREAS, Washington state law protects the rights of transgender people to be free from discrimination and to
enjoy all the privileges and protections granted to all people, including full enjoyment of public accommodations,
employment, and participation in all aspects of civil life; and
WHEREAS, Jefferson County Board of Commissioners supports our colleagues at the City of Port Townsend and
the YMCA of Jefferson County in upholding state law and denounces the harmful rhetoric and misrepresentations of our
community that have been directed toward these valued institutions and the diversity of people they employ and serve; and
WHEREAS,the Williams Institute at the UCLA School of Law study found that transgender people 16 and over
are four times more likely to be crime victims than cisgender people; and
WHEREAS,half of all transgender people are sexually abused or assaulted during their lifetimes according to the
US Department of Justice; and
WHEREAS,PBS News Hour reported that 2021 was the deadliest year for transgender people with a record
number of transgender murder victims; and
WHEREAS,the FBI reported that hate crimes against transgender and gender non-conforming people increased
587% between 2013 and 2019; and
WHEREAS, many transgender people raise children, have grandchildren, and are the center of loving families; and
WHEREAS,Jefferson County celebrates and honors the presence of transgender people and the myriad additions
they make to the fabric of our communities;
NOW, THEREFORE the Jefferson County Board of Commissioners does hereby proclaim that Jefferson County
values our transgender residents and visitors and urges all people to be respectful, welcoming, and kind to all people,
regardless of gender identity. We further proclaim that discrimination and prejudice, in any form, particularly against
transgender people, are unwelcome and have no place in Jefferson County.
' c,' " 'LA'1MED this 15th day of August, 2022.
/ o bra .. ,
1 '�. '.: R� t ' JEFFERSON COUNTY
B ARD OF COMMISSIONERS
.\ --'r+ _.* 1:• * •-° a • Heidi Ei nhour, Chair
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ATTEST: T w ...��^" Kat ean, Member
a d, t
Approved Telephonically
Carolyn�3allaway Greg Brotherton, Member
Clerk of the Board
E. _..