Missourians React to Supreme Court Ruling on Tennessee Transgender Restrictions, St. Louis Post-Dispatch
On June 30, 2025, St. Louis Mayor Cara Spencer signed an executive order designating the city a "sanctuary city" for transgender individuals, specifically protecting access to transgender medical procedures, including for minors, despite state restrictions. The order prohibits city employees, including police, from enforcing Missouri's 2023 law banning gender-affirming care for minors or assisting other jurisdictions in related investigations. It also prevents city resources from being used to detain or deport individuals seeking such care. This move responds to Missouri's prohibition on irreversible procedures like surgeries for minors, which has driven some families to seek care out of state.
Spencer’s order aims to shield families and healthcare providers from state-level penalties, though it risks escalating tensions with Missouri’s Republican-led state government, which has prioritized restricting transgender policies. The mayor emphasized St. Louis’s commitment to inclusivity, stating the city will not criminalize personal healthcare decisions. Critics, including state officials, argue the order undermines state law and could lead to legal challenges. Supporters, including local advocacy groups, praise it as a vital protection for vulnerable youth. The order also aligns with broader city policies supporting marginalized communities, though its legal enforceability remains uncertain.