The City Council of Canandaigua, N.Y., where transgender man Sam Nordquist had been staying before his killing and where he was last seen alive, has passed a resolution stating the city is welcoming to all.
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“The city of Canandaigua will continue to be proactive in making services and programs accessible and open to all individuals, and protecting the rights of citizens and visitors to live, work and play in a safe, inclusive and welcoming Canandaigua community,” the resolution says in part, according to Rochester, N.Y.’s, Democrat & Chronicle. The council passed the measure Wednesday.
“The city firmly rejects bigotry, hate and all forms of discrimination,” it continues. “The city affirms its commitment to fostering an inclusive environment where all individuals who have been historically marginalized are respected, valued and can live peacefully, with dignity, and without fear of discrimination. The city pledges to uphold these principles in all aspects of city governance and community life.”
Nordquist, who had traveled from Minnesota to upstate New York last fall to be with a girlfriend, was killed after having been tortured since December. His body was found February 13 in a field in Benton, N.Y., about 15 miles from Patty’s Lodge, a motel in Canandaigua where he had been staying. Seven people have been charged with second-degree murder, and the investigation is continuing.
The resolution is “just a good reminder to see humans as humans, and as we have interactions of all kinds to be respectful and thoughtful,” Councilmember Michael Mills said, as reported by the Democrat & Chronicle.
“We have a very strong community that’s welcoming and inclusive,” added Councilmember Thomas Lyon. “I think this reflects the views of the residents and people of Canandaigua.”
Vigils to honor Nordquist’s life have been held in and around Canandaigua as well as in New York City.
