Moran, Lueders join list of sanctuary cities for unborn

The City of Moran passed an ordinance last week declaring itself a “Sanctuary City for the Unborn,” joining a growing list of Texas municipalities adopting similar measures.

The ordinance, titled “Ordinance Outlawing Abortion, Declaring Moran a Sanctuary City for the Unborn,” was approved by the Moran City Council in a 4-0-1 vote on Monday, April 15. Four council members voted in favor of the ordinance, with no votes against and one abstention.

Moran is the first city in Shackelford County to pass the measure. The county itself adopted  the same ordinance on April 15. The city of Lueders in neighboring Jones County followed suit on Friday, April 19, approving the ordinance in a 5-0 vote to become the 73rd city in the state to do so.

District Attorney Isaac Castro, who  serves the 259th Judicial District representing both Jones and Shackelford counties, expressed strong support for the local decisions.

“Proud of all the leaders of Shackelford County who continue the fight to protect the rights of the unborn! I stand with you to save the babies!” Castro said in a public statement.

The Albany City Council also discussed the ordinance at its April 14 meeting. While no action was taken, the item was presented to the council and drew significant public interest. More than 30 residents attended to show their support, with 15 individuals offering public comments—including local citizens, preachers, and representatives from other sanctuary cities. For a vote to occur in at a future meeting, a council member would need to make a formal motion to bring the item forward.