ATHENS, Ga. - Athens is now designated as a safe haven for the LGBTQIA+ community after a vote of approval by county commissioners.
The resolution states that the Athens-Clarke County "is hereby committed to creating a supportive environment where LGBTQIA+ individuals can live authentically and openly without fear."
The Athens-Clarke County Commission brought up the resolution in response to what officials called "a rise in legislation and social attitudes that threaten the rights, safety, and dignity of LGBTQIA+ individuals."
The resolution pointed to an ACLU report showing a total of more than 500 anti-LGBTQIA+ bills have been proposed across the United States during this year's legislative session, including 14 in the Georgia State Legislature.
Counselors voted in favor 6-2 of the resolution last week after hours of public comment from supporters and opponents.
"As a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, I can tell you that, right now, we are living in a time where the safety and the rights of our community are under increasing threat. In many parts of this country, laws are being passed to attempt to erase us, limit our rights and make us feel that we do not belong," Athens resident Lucy Loop told commissioners. "This is a scary time for many of us, and for my loved ones, it can be as though our very existence is being attacked. That's why a safe haven for the LGBTQIA community would mean so much. It would make us feel like we belong here."
As part of the resolution, the county agreed to support events and programs that celebrate LGBTQIA+ identity and culture and encourage the county's law enforcement to undergo training to address community concerns.
The county has previously created a 15-member Human Relations Commission to foster dialogue between residents and local officials.