Defying Missouri legislators who voted to ban gender-affirming care for minors and restrict it for some adults, officials in Kansas Citythe state's largest cityapproved a resolution to declare it a sanctuary for people seeking or providing such care, according to an NBC News item.
Democratic Mayor Quinton Lucas praised the 12-to-one vote, saying the city is committed to being a "welcoming, inclusive, and safe place for everyone, including our transgender and LGBTQ+ community."
The city's new, sanctuary status sets it apart as a Democratic-leaning city in a state with a Republican governor and GOP-majority legislature.
"This is an important first step in Kansas City's commitment to trans and non-binary people," Transformations KC founder Merrique Jenson said in a written statement after the vote.