Carbondale's City Council will consider a change to the city's code when it comes to people seeking medical care, as well as additional human rights definitions.
The amendment to Title One of city code would make sure people seeking reproductive and gender affirming healthcare in the city can't be discriminated against, and city employees would be barred from providing information to other jurisdictions about patients or providers.
In addition, Title 22 of city code declares that all people are born with inalienable freedoms, and behavior that denies equal treatment based on things like race, color, sex, gender identity or expression, age, religion or other protected status is not allowed. That includes source of income, credit history, and criminal history. Title 22 would also guarantee freedom of bodily autonomy - meaning individuals can make their own decisions about their medical care.
Pride in Action, Southern Illinois commended Councilperson Clare Killman for bringing the changes to a vote. CEO and Director of Social Action and Education Tara Bell says numerous people are, and will be seeking care in Carbondale because of more restrictive laws in other states.
"The right to privacy, bodily autonomy, and the safety to make decisions about such are the foundation of the rights of all LGBTQ+ people. Further, the right to such bodily autonomy regarding reproductive and gender affirming healthcare is fundamental to these freedoms. Title 22 and the proposed amendment to Title 1 are key to ensuring that the City of Carbondale remains a city that is welcoming and affirming for all residents and all visitors, including individuals who provide or seek reproductive healthcare and gender-affirming healthcare. The protections of this ordinance ensure that laws passed by other jurisdictions will not be enforced or aided by any city official. This is why it is crucial that the city pass this ordinance, and we thank Councilmember Killman and this body for considering this important action.”
The Council will consider the changes at its meeting July 11 in Carbondale.
