The Medford City Council has voted to advance a sweeping ordinance that would bar the city from investing in fossil fuel companies, weapons manufacturers, private prisons and businesses linked to human rights violations — making it the first municipality in Massachusetts to take such a step.

The Values-Aligned Local Investments Ordinance passed in a 5-1 vote during the council’s Aug. 5 meeting, with one councilor absent. It must clear two more procedural readings before becoming law, but it already has the supermajority needed to override a potential mayoral veto.

Dozens of residents packed the council chambers for more than three hours of testimony, with the vast majority urging the city to align its finances with ethical and environmental values. Supporters said the measure reflects gr

See Full Page