WASHINGTON – Taking part in a “faith forum” for mayoral candidates on Sunday, Mayor Ivy Taylor of San Antonio, Texas attacked a recently-enacted non-discrimination ordinance protecting lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) city employees and contractors from discrimination. 

Taylor, a Democrat and former member of the city council who succeeded Mayor Julian Castro when he was appointed to President Obama’s cabinet, told the crowd, “I did not feel we should have even been debating that issue. […] I thought it was a waste of time.” Taylor voted against the ordinance when it was before the council. 

“If Mayor Taylor thinks protecting her own citizens from discrimination is a waste of time, then she has no business serving the people of San Antonio—as mayor, as a city council member, even as dog catcher,” said HRC Vice President of Communications Fred Sainz. “She should apologize for her shameful comments immediately and take some lessons from the former mayor on how to lead on behalf of all the residents of this great city.”

Mayor Taylor’s shameful comments come at a moment when more than 20 pieces of anti-LGBT legislation are being considered by the Texas legislature.