Houston City Hall
The Houston City Council on Wednesday passed an ordinance
extending equal rights protections to LGBT residents, reports the Houston Chronicle. The decision passed on an 11-6 vote and received applause from
supporters after nine hours of discussion that included personal testimonies. Opponents
say they will pursue repeal.
The Houston Equal Rights
Ordinance, which became known as HERO, bans discrimination based on sexual
orientation and gender identity and reinforces federal anti-discrimination laws
on sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability,
pregnancy and genetic information, as well as family, marital or military
status. It applies to businesses serving the public, private employers,
housing, city employment and city contracting. Violators could be fined as much
as $5,000. Religious institutions are exempt.
Houston’s mayor, Annise Parker, is known as the first
openly gay mayor of a major U.S. city. She is credited with bringing the
measure to a vote.
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