Safe Haven ordinance

A conservative Christian speaker urged a no vote, arguing the council should govern by what is 'true' about two genders, not feelings.

A Christian resident urged a no vote, arguing the ordinance endangers the vast majority to protect 1% and citing restroom privacy and child-safety concerns.

A pastor used an amputation-surgery analogy to argue the council should not 'aid and abet' what he called self-mutilation.

A District 8 resident who fled Florida's anti-trans laws in 2023 urged passage, saying the Fairness Ordinance alone isn't enough protection.

A Louisville DSA volunteer and queer resident said he expected a defeat but pledged continued organizing: 'May we too become impossible for you to ignore.'

A trans woman from District 20 urged the committee to show leadership and pass the ordinance, arguing capitulation to state or federal pressure is not leadership.

A trans advocate and youth worker said young people drive hours asking whether Louisville is safe, and urged passage so clear rules protect advocates and families.

The trans health coordinator said Black and brown trans residents were excluded from drafting the ordinance and it lacks research, defined terms, and enforcement mechanisms.

The Fairness Education Fund chair said the coalition supports trans protections but believes this draft is not the strongest or most broadly supported approach and could affect trans people statewide.

A trans scholar said the ordinance offers little material benefit, duplicates existing fairness protections, and was written without centering marginalized trans voices.