HERO is repealed in Houston

This is sad to see. HERO was repealed in Houston. Haters voted to keep Houston in the dark.

There's a lot of disappointed voices. Here is a message from Rev. Rodney McKenzie, Jr., Director of the Academy for Leadership and Action, National LGBTQ Task Force Action Fund.

Preliminary election results show that a majority of voters in Houston have repealed the city’s ordinance that extends non-discrimination protections to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) people–among 13 other protected classes including race, religion, sex, color, age, ethnicity, disability, national origin, marital status, military status, genetic information, pregnancy, and family status. In May 2014, the city council approved Houston’s Equal Rights Ordinance (HERO), but enforcement of that law was placed on hold pending the outcome of today’s vote. The National LGBTQ Task Force Action Fund worked to prevent the ordinances from being repealed by joining the Houston Unites campaign and providing on the ground support as well as technical assistance.

“As a proud Texan, Reverend, and black gay man, I am deeply disappointed with the outcome of today’s election—yet we are not defeated. Leading up to the election, we were joined by a strong and broad coalition of business owners, faith leaders, civil rights leaders, and elected officials, who worked hard to ensure that all Houstonians are protected against discrimination. We spoke with hundreds of voters who believe that everyone—regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation—deserves to be treated with dignity and respect. While the road to justice is long, we will redouble our efforts to secure full freedom, justice and equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) people.”