I would like to refer a discussion to the LGBTQIA+ Advisory Committee to research and make recommendations on what steps the City of Miami Beach could take to become an LGBTQ sanctuary city, especially in light of the recent adverse legislative policies enacted by the State of Florida targeting the LGBTQ community.

Florida's implementation of aggressive anti-LGBTQ policies in the last few years has detrimentally affected the LGBTQ community in the state. Many LGBTQ individuals and families have since relocated to more accepting and welcoming states, since policies enacted by the state legislature have targeted education, health, and overall quality of life of the LGBTQ community. These policies have also had adverse repercussions on gay tourism within the state, with LGBTQ tourists choosing to travel to less hostile states, impacting Miami Beach's status as an LGBTQ welcoming destination.

In response to these challenges, it is essential for the City to implement measures that not only reinforce our commitment to diversity but also provide sanctuary and support for the LGBTQ community.

In 2023, the City of Lake Worth Beach became the first municipality in Florida to officially announce itself as a sanctuary city for LGBTQ people and their families.

I would like for the City’s LGBTQIA+ Advisory Committee to evaluate actions taken by the City of Lake Worth Beach and make recommendations on what steps the City could take to become an LGBTQ sanctuary city, along with any other recommendations for collaborative efforts between the City and LGBTQ advocacy organizations to safeguard the rights and well-being of LGBTQ+ residents, visitors and their families.