WASHINGTON – Today Houston Mayor Annise Parker introduced the Equal Rights ordinance, which if passed, will protect all Houstonians from discrimination in the workplace, housing, and public accommodations.  The proposed ordinance covers both public and private workers from discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity.  In addition to sexual orientation and gender identity, the ordinance will also prohibit discrimination on the basis of sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, familial status, marital status, military status, religion, disability, genetic information, and pregnancy. 

Human Rights Campaign (HRC) National Field Director Marty Rouse issued the following statement:

“We thank Mayor Parker for her leadership on this commonsense legislation.  It is far past time to protect the citizens of Houston from all forms of discrimination, including discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. 

“As the nation’s fourth largest city, Houston is an epicenter for business and culture.  Cities thrive when all citizens feel welcome and part of the cultural fabric.  Today, Mayor Parker told every Houstonian that they are a valued part of the city’s future.”

Mayor Parker intends to present the draft ordinance to the City Council’s Quality of Life Committee on April 30. Consideration by the full City Council is scheduled for May 7.      

HRC is proud to have played a role in the introduction of the Equal Rights Ordinance.  HRC mobilized its members and supporters in Houston to contact their leaders and express their support of the ordinance.  HRC will continue to work alongside Mayor Parker and other city leaders as well as ACLU-Texas, Equality Texas, Houston GLBT Political Caucus, Log Cabin Republicans, Out & Equal, Texas Freedom Network and Texans Together to ensure Houston is a leader in LGBT equality.    

The Human Rights Campaign is America’s largest civil rights organization working to achieve lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality. By inspiring and engaging all Americans, HRC strives to end discrimination against LGBT citizens and realize a nation that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all.