Sanctuary city proposal draws strong response
A packed crowd filled the Albany City Council meeting Monday night as dozens of residents, pastors, and visitors urged city leaders to pass an ordinance declaring Albany a “Sanctuary City for the Unborn.” The proposed ordinance would ban abortion within city limits and allow private citizens to file lawsuits against those who help perform or obtain one — including individuals who assist someone traveling through Albany for the purpose of obtaining an abortion elsewhere.
Supporters included more than 40 people—many from Albany and others from Cisco, Abilene, and East Texas—who shared personal testimonies, quoted scripture, and called for the city to take action. “From the moment of conception, God has plans for that child,” one speaker said. Another added, “This is like fire insurance. Nobody thinks they need it when everything’s green, but you’ll be glad you had it when the fire comes.”
Mark Lee Dickson, founder of Sanctuary Cities for the Unborn, attended the meeting and said that similar ordinances have now passed in 72 cities and 10 counties across the nation, including 57 cities and 8 counties in Texas. He told the council that none had faced legal challenges since 2021 and emphasized that “private enforcement” means the ordinance does not require police involvement.
Albany Mayor Susan Montgomery said the council will not take a vote on the ordinance at this time.
“The State of Texas has already passed laws banning abortion. So it is illegal already in the state of Texas,” Montgomery said. “We are not lawmakers—we are a city council elected to oversee the business of Albany.” She explained that the vote was not placed on the agenda to avoid putting that decision on the five-member council. She also noted that the Texas Legislature is currently considering additional legislation, including an abortion pill ban bill and a Life of the Mother Act. “These laws will take care of the entire state,” she said. “And the City of Albany abides by the laws of the State of Texas.”
No action was taken during the meeting.
