* Warning: This is an unofficial, introductory copy of the bill.
The official copy considered by the City Council is the first reader copy.
Introductory*
City of Baltimore
Council Bill R
(Resolution)
Introduced by: Councilmember Cohen
A Resolution Entitled
A Council Resolution concerning
title
Honoring Carlton Ray Smith and Residents Impacted by the HIV/AIDS Epidemic
For the purpose of honoring the advocacy of Carlton Ray Smith and affirming the City’s commitment to relentlessly pursuing funding to provide HIV/AIDS treatment and services to those in financial need.
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Recitals
Whereas, the City Council expresses its deepest condolences for the loss of Carlton Ray Smith, lovingly known as “the Duchess”, who was a longtime advocate for Baltimore’s LGBTQIA+ community and those living with HIV/AIDs in particular. Carlton Ray Smith passed away at on May 29, 2024 at age 61.
Whereas, in 2023, the City extended protections against discrimination based on an individual’s HIV or AIDS status in regards to employment, public accommodations, education, healthcare, public welfare, and housing.
Whereas, HIV and AIDS remain disease that disproportionately impact the LGBTQIA+ community, and same-gender loving gay men and transgender women in particular, as well as other members of Baltimore’s communities.
Whereas, federal funding from the United States Health Resources and Services Administration’s Ryan White Part B Maryland State Special Services HIV/AIDS program of the State of Maryland is being cut from $17.9 million in fiscal year 2024 to $5.3 million in fiscal year 2025, a 76 percent decrease.
Whereas, the Ryan White Program funds serve those people living with HIV/AIDS with the greatest economic need.
Now, therefore, be it resolved by the City Council of Baltimore, that the City Council honors the advocacy of Carlton Ray Smith and affirms the City's commitment to relentlessly pursuing funding to provide HIV/AIDS treatment and services to those in financial need.
And be it further resolved, That a copy of this Resolution be sent to Governor Wes Moore, the Director of the Maryland Commission on LGBTQIA+ Affairs, the Baltimore City Delegation to the General Assembly, the LGBTQIA+ Caucus of the General Assembly, the Mayor, the Director of the Mayor’s Office of LGBTQ Affairs, the Baltimore City LGBTQ+ Commission, the Office of Equity and Civil Rights, and the Mayor’s legislative liaison to the City Council.