Houston Equal Ordinance Measure (AKA Trans Rights Bill) Fails

[Initech]

Houston's controversial equal rights ordinance failed by a wide margin Tuesday, with voters opting to repeal the law that offered broad non-discrimination protections, according to incomplete and unofficial returns.

The hotly contested election has spurred national attention, drawing comment from the White House and the state's top officials. Largely conservative opponents of the law allege that it would allow men dressed as women, including sexual predators, to enter women's restrooms. Supporters of the law, including Mayor Annise Parker, argue that it extends an important local recourse for a range of protected classes to respond to discrimination.

Supporters released a written statement Tuesday night: "We are disappointed with today's outcome, but our work to secure nondiscrimination protections for all hard-working Houstonians will continue. No one should have to live with the specter of discrimination hanging over them. Everyone should have the freedom to work hard, earn a decent living and provide for themselves and their families."

The ordinance bans discrimination based not just on gender identity and sexual orientation, but also 13 classes already protected under federal law: sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, pregnancy and genetic information, as well as family, marital or military status.

http://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/houston-equal-rights-ordinance-fails-by-wide-margin/ar-BBmO0Fg?ocid=spartandhp

Fucking ignorant assholes. No seriously, the picture in that article explains volumes about why it failed.

[HassleCat]

1. Sexual predators? Oh, geez!

I guess it does not occur to voters that sexual predators don't care one way or the other if there is a law protecting trans-gender people. Trans-gender issues are difficult because of the "icky" factor. Many people still consider it weird and creepy, but will allow all kinds of strange things in the name of religious freedom.

[Bucky]

2. It's not a Trans Rights ordnance. It's an equal rights ordnance.

There's no such thing as "Trans Rights". There's only the willingness or not willingness to protect all our fellow citizens equally. My home town failed big last night. Big.

I'm bummed.