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Texas suspends Houston's anti-gay discrimation ban
Quote:
The Texas Supreme Court on Friday (24 July) ordered the Houston City Council to either repeal the Houston Equal Rights Ordinance or place it on the November ballot.
The ordinance known as HERO was championed by the city’s lesbian mayor, Annise Parker, and went into effect after being passed by the City Council last year.
It bans discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity as well as what is covered under federal law which includes sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, and disability.
The ruling from the state’s highest court comes in a suit filed by anti-LGBTI activists including former Harris County Republican Party Chair Jared Woodfill. The group sued when city officials determined they had invalid petition pages in their effort to repeal the measure.
A district judge had ruled in April that the petitions lacked enough valid signatures. The Supreme Court decision overrides that ruling.
‘Obviously, I am disappointed and believe the court is in error with this eleventh hour ruling in a case that had already been decided by a judge and jury of citizens,’ Parker said in a statement.
She said she will proceed with the steps necessary for the City Council to consider the issue while also consulting with outside counsel on any possible available legal actions.
Parker pointed out that HERO is similar to measures passed in other major US cities and by most local corporations.
‘No matter the color of your skin, your age, gender, physical limitations, or sexual orientation, every Houstonian deserves the right to be treated equally,’ she stated. ‘To do otherwise hurts Houston’s well-known image as a city that is tolerant, accepting, inclusive and embracing of its diversity.
‘Our citizens fully support and understand this and I have never been afraid to take it to the voters. We will win.’
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