"Trapped under pressure from the presidential administration, the city council for Arlington, Texas, is struggling to find a way to avoid rolling back LGBTQ+ protections without losing vital federal grants. Last night, they bought themselves more time. Pointing to pressure from the current administration, Arlington's city council took a vote in September to suspend the anti-discrimination section of the city code, pending review."
"In light of changes occurring at a federal level, the city has needed to explore modifications to a number of programs and policies, such as our anti-discrimination chapter. It's important that we remain compliant with federal directives to protect receipt of federal funds and not subject the city to liability for additional financial consequences. However, we must balance the need to make modifications with the need to ensure that every single member of our community feels welcome, protected, respected, and is treated with dignity."
Arlington's city council faces federal pressure to alter policies to protect receipt of federal funds. The council voted in September to suspend the anti-discrimination chapter of the city code pending review. At a first reading, proposed code revisions would remove protections for sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression. Mayor Jim Ross stated the city must comply with federal directives to avoid liability and preserve federal funding while balancing the need to ensure community members feel welcome and respected. Ross moved to continue the item until November 18 so staff can vet impacts on federal relationships and the local community, with legal consultation planned.
Read at LGBTQ Nation
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