LGBT Caucus Statement on Houston’s Equal Rights Ordinance

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 4, 2015

LGBT Caucus Statement on
Houston’s Equal Rights Ordinance 

SACRAMENTO, CA – The California Legislative Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) Caucus expresses its disappointment in the results of last night’s election in Houston. In a 61 percent to 39 percent split, Houston voters chose to strike down equal rights protections previously approved by the city Council earlier this year. HERO, or the Houston Equal Rights Ordinance, bans discrimination based not just on sexual orientation and gender identity, but also 13 other classes already protected under federal law including race, ethnicity, age, religion, disability and pregnancy and as well as family, marital or military status.

“What happened in Houston could happen anywhere,” Assemblymember Susan Talamantes Eggman said, chair of the LGBT Caucus. “It wasn't so long ago that civil rights were denied through the ballot box in California. Again, we have been faced with a campaign that sought to repeal the most basic protections for those who continue to live on the margins, fed by fear-mongering and misinformation. But history shows that these setbacks are temporary, that while our progress isn't always linear, it is inevitable.”

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Media Contacts:
LGBT Caucus
William Kim
916-319-2525
William.Kim@asm.ca.gov

Assemblymember Susan Talamantes Eggman
Christian Burkin
916-319-2013
Christian.Burkin@asm.ca.gov