The Village Board of Oak Park approved an amendment to the village human-rights ordinance to add a new article providing protections related to gender-affirming care after a second reading and a public comment period.

Supporters and opponents spoke during public comment before the vote. Several residents and local advocates urged passage, citing medical organizations and the ordinance’s potential to protect local LGBTQ+ residents. Others urged caution and asked the board to consider broader evidence and the range of views among medical providers and families.

Village staff presented the ordinance at second reading, noting it responds to concerns raised at a July first reading and that the village will follow up with community listening sessions and outreach to providers and affected groups. Kelly Keyes, the village GDEI officer, told trustees staff plans further community engagement and said the ordinance is intended as a first step toward codifying protections while minimizing unintended harms.

Trustees emphasized a desire to balance free speech and community dialogue with protecting residents’ rights. Board discussion noted edits to clarify enforcement language and who is covered. After discussion, Clerk Waters called the roll and every trustee present voted yes. The ordinance was adopted.

Trustees and staff said the village will return with additional work, including engagement with healthcare providers, schools and nonprofits, and consideration of enforcement processes so protections are “meaningfully protected,” as staff put it. The board directed staff to continue community outreach and to evaluate possible further steps to fortify sanctuary and supportive services.

The vote follows robust public comment. Speakers who supported the ordinance cited medical associations and personal experience; others warned the ordinance could silence dissenting views or have unintended impacts on providers and institutions.

The village will now begin implementation planning, including outreach and potential follow-up ordinances or administrative guidance. Staff said they will evaluate how the ordinance is enforced to avoid unintended exposure of vulnerable residents.

A related discussion at the meeting included residents’ broader calls for the village to review mutual-aid and assistance agreements to avoid drawing local police into federal immigration enforcement.

The ordinance will be codified in chapter 13 (Human Rights) of the village code with the new article on gender-affirming care.