Monday night’s Portsmouth City Council meeting was packed with a standing-room-only crowd, and much of the buzz centered on a topic that wasn’t even on the official agenda: a proposal to declare Portsmouth a Sanctuary City for transgender individuals and gender-affirming healthcare.
After more than four hours of passionate testimony, the council ultimately scrapped the resolution — but only for now. Councilman Andy Cole told SCDN a revised LGBTQ+ protection resolution is in the works and is expected to appear on the agenda for the May 19 council meeting. No details have been released yet.
Women-Only Spaces at the Heart of Debate
A major point of contention during Monday’s discussion was the question of access to women-only spaces — specifically, restrooms, locker rooms, showers, and participation in women’s sports.
Some opponents of the resolution expressed concern about individuals born male — or still biologically male — using spaces traditionally reserved for women, citing privacy, safety, and fairness. Supporters of the resolution argued that transgender individuals deserve dignity and equal treatment in all areas of public life and that inclusive policies help reduce stigma and mental health risks.
Shawnee State Responds After Delay
Given its size and influence in the city, many residents were eager to hear where Shawnee State University stood on the issue. After initially remaining silent, SSU Communications Director Elizabeth Blevins issued a statement in response to SCDN’s inquiry:
“Shawnee State University follows state and federal laws regarding restrooms and locker rooms, and athletic association rules for sports participation. We maintain 23 men’s, women’s, and co-ed varsity sports teams.”
As SCDN has noted in past reporting, resolutions such as the proposed “sanctuary” declarations are largely symbolic. Whether they focus on transgender rights, undocumented immigrants, marijuana, or the Second Amendment, municipalities and public institutions like universities are still bound to comply with state and federal laws.
In SSU’s case, that means restroom and locker room policies, as well as athletic participation, are shaped not by local declarations but by state and federal legal frameworks — and the governing rules of collegiate athletic associations.
What Comes Next?
With another resolution reportedly on the way, this conversation is far from over. The next Portsmouth City Council meeting is scheduled for May 19 at 6:00 p.m., and residents on both sides of the debate are expected to once again fill the chamber.
Until then, the broader community — including institutions like Shawnee State — will continue to navigate these complex cultural questions within the legal boundaries already in place.
📌 SIDEBAR: What Do the Laws Actually Say?
FAQ on Gender Identity, Restrooms, and Sports Participation
🧾 Can a city legally ignore federal or state gender-related laws?
No. Sanctuary resolutions are non-binding political statements. Cities and public institutions must still comply with state and federal laws, including Title IX, the Civil Rights Act, and other regulations.
🚻 Are public schools or universities required to allow transgender individuals to use the restroom matching their gender identity?
It depends on current federal interpretation. Under the Biden administration, the U.S. Department of Education interprets Title IX to prohibit discrimination based on gender identity. Legal challenges and changes in administration can affect enforcement.
🏋️ Who sets the rules for transgender athletes in college sports?
The NAIA and NCAA govern college athletics. Both have policies regarding transgender athlete participation, often requiring hormone treatment or other medical benchmarks to compete in women’s events.
🧑⚖️ What happens if a city or university violates these laws?
They may face lawsuits, lose federal funding, or be required to change policies under court order.
🏛️ What’s the takeaway for Portsmouth and SSU?
Even if Portsmouth passed a resolution declaring itself a sanctuary city for transgender rights, neither the city nor institutions like SSU can act outside the scope of the law. Public policies must comply with overarching legal frameworks already in place.
