South Florida city declares self the first LGBTQ sanctuary in the state

The city Lake Worth Beach in South Florida has declared itself a sanctuary city for members of the LGBTQ+ community and their families. 

City commissioners voted Tuesday in favor of the proposal, saying its passage was to protect the "human rights for all individuals.”

“The City of Lake Worth Beach shall now and forever be considered a safe place, a sanctuary, a welcoming and supportive city for LGBTQIA+ individuals and their families to live in peace and comfort,” the resolution states, according to The Hill.

LGBTQ+ rights activists have said the city's resolution is a step in the right direction.

“If we can’t do anything about the people up in Tallahassee, at least we can do it here in our own backyard,” Rand Hoch, president and founder of the Palm Beach County Human Rights Council told WPTV. 

Florida GOP Gov. Ron DeSantis has gotten pushback from progressives regarding a bill he signed last year his opponents labeled the "don't say gay" bill, which restricted classroom instruction on sexual orientation and gender identity.

He has also had a repetitive legal battle with Disney when he revoked their special privileges after the company snubbed him for signing the bill. 

“This is a huge step in making Florida safe again for all communities – especially for our LGBTQ+ friends who have had to live in fear under Governor DeSantis’s attacks,” said Florida Democratic Party Chairwoman Nikki Fried in reference to Lake Worth Beach's resolution. 

“Our local elected officials are on the front lines in the fight to keep our communities safe,” she continued. “And commissioners in Lake Worth made it clear that if Republicans in Tallahassee won’t protect our communities – they will.”