Protecting our community from changes at the federal level

Councilmember Rinck speaking at the dais

To our Seattle community,

We understand that the changes in the federal government impact all of us. The attacks on individual rights - ranging from civil rights, protections for members of our LGBTQIA+ community, reproductive and gender affirming care, as well as our refugee and immigrant communities - is harmful and dangerous. These attacks do not reflect the values that we hold here in Seattle.

Beyond the creation of a Select Committee on Federal Administration and Policy Changes, we wanted to provide a page with City and community resources for folks to understand what their rights are, organizations that can provide information and assistance, as well as information on the laws and policies at the state and local levels of government.

We are here for you and will work to ensure your rights continue to be protected. I also strongly urge you to stay involved. Please check back here for more updates and resources.

— Councilmember Rinck, Chair of the Select Committee on Federal Administration and Policy Changes

Guests speaking in council chambers at the Select Committee on Federal Administration and Policy Changes

Additional background

LGBTQ & Reproductive Rights and Issues Organizations

Immigration and Labor Rights Issues Organizations 

Civil Rights Resources

Trans Protections and Resources

LGBTQIA+ Protections and Resources

Reproductive and Gender Affirming Health Care Resources

Immigrant and Refugee Rights Resources

Laws you should know

Washington state

  • Washington Reproductive Privacy Act (1991) provides for a pregnant individual's right to choose to have an abortion prior to viability of the fetus, or to protect the pregnant individual's life or health. 
  • Washington Shield Law (2023) protects people in Washington state from civil and criminal actions in other states that restrict or criminalize reproductive and gender-affirming care.
  • Washington Reproductive Parity Act (2018) requires that all state-regulated health care plans that cover maternity services also cover abortion services.
  • Washington Reproductive Health Access for All Act (2019) makes it illegal for health plans to deny coverage to trans and nonbinary people.
  • Keep Washington Working Act (2019): Prohibits local and state enforcement of federal immigration laws, and limits sharing personal information with federal authorities except for criminal investigations or court orders.
  • Courts Open to All Act (2020): Ensures courthouses remain accessible to all, regardless of immigration status.

City of Seattle laws

  • Ordinance 121063 prohibits City officers and City employees from inquiring about immigration status.
  • Resolution 31730 (2017): Ensures access to city services for all residents and guides City response regarding federal enforcement efforts.
  • Ordinance 126649 adds people who have received or are seeking abortions as a protected class, ensuring their civil rights’ protections.
  • Ordinance 126650 creates a misdemeanor charge for people who encroach on individuals seeking abortions or gender affirming care.
  • Ordinance 126634 prohibits SPD and CAO from assisting out-of-state law enforcement and other entities inquiring about abortion-related care and prevents pursuit of out of-state warrants related to abortions by Seattle Police.
  • Ordinance 126641 appropriated $250,000 of City funds to fund expanded access to reproductive healthcare by making an investment in Northwest Abortion Access Fund

Questions or need help?

Please contact my office at any time and we can assist you. AlexisMercedes.Rinck@seattle.gov or by calling (206) 684-8808.