Petition to the Keene City Council

In Support of Equal Respect for All Residents

We, the undersigned residents of Keene and surrounding towns who do business in Keene regularly, affirm our deep respect for all individuals, regardless of their identity, background, or personal choices. We strongly support the right of every person to live freely and with dignity, so long as that freedom does not infringe upon the rights of others.

At the same time, we are concerned about the proposal to designate Keene as a “sanctuary city” for a specific identity group. While we believe this effort is likely rooted in goodwill, we feel that such designations—by elevating one group for special recognition—risk undermining the principle of equal honor and respect for all people.

True inclusivity does not require singling out any one population for symbolic sanctuary; rather, it calls us to foster a city culture that is welcoming, fair, and free of favoritism across the board.

We are also mindful of how such declarations may affect Keene’s public image. Highlighting what might be deemed a political or ideological position could unintentionally signal to families, potential residents, or businesses that Keene is no longer a place of broad civic neutrality—but one where particular identities or beliefs are favored above others. Being a welcoming, inclusive community means favoring, and excluding, no-one.

We urge the Council to consider these concerns carefully; to prioritize unity, fairness, and balanced representation in all civic actions and policies; and to reject the petition to designate Keene a sanctuary city for the LGBTQ+ community.

Respectfully,