This month's repeal of HERO (Houston Equal Rights Ordinance) is a sobering reminder of how much work is ahead of us to achieve lived equality for all in this country.
Introduced and approved in 2014, HERO is a commonsense ordinance banning discrimination based on 15 classes including race, pregnancy status, sexual orientation and gender identity. The Texas Supreme Court ruled that the city council had to repeal the law or put it before the citizens of Houston for a vote. Leading up to Election Day, voters were assaulted with outrageously deceptive ads attacking LGBTQ citizens in harmful and patently false ways. Sadly, the attacks worked. Houston voters resoundingly repealed HERO on November 3.
There is a silver lining, though. Mayor Parker is committed to bringing HERO back this year and is working to make that happen right now! This is an example of why we need more elected officials like Mayor Annise Parker who champion equal rights for all.
LPAC works to elect leaders who champion LGBTQ rights and advance social justice and women's rights. Getting more progressive voices in office is essential to help shape the conversation on equality and serves as a strong, sustained counterpoint to the hateful and prejudicial narrative that persists even after the Supreme Court declared marriage equality the law of the land.
Sign your name to tell Mayor Parker you support true equality for all -- including LGBTQ citizens -- and you stand with her and LPAC in this fight!
