At Twitchy, "Houston’s ‘bathroom ordinance’ is ‘absolutely crushed’ at ballot box, staining city’s reputation."
And at the Houston Chronicle, "Houston Equal Rights Ordinance fails by wide margin."
HOUSTON residents reject transgender bathroom redefinitions in referendum vote. https://t.co/kDuSLpy6Ec
— Vicki Mckenna (@VickiMcKenna) November 4, 2015
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.
Businesses that serve the public, private employers, housing and city contracting are all subject to the law and face up to $5,000 in fines for violations. Religious institutions, however, are exempt. The ordinance was in effect for only three months between extensive legal challenges.
City Council passed the law 11-6 in May last year, but conservative foes launched an effort to force a repeal referendum that spanned more than one year of legal challenges. In July, the Texas Supreme Court ordered the city to either repeal the law or place in the ballot. By a 12-5 vote, City Council opted for the latter, officially unleashing two dueling campaigns.
Political scientists expected the law to drive turnout, though without complete results it's not clear to what extent that has happened. But in early voting, approximately 130,000 city voters cast ballots, more than doubling pre-election day turnout in Houston's last open-seat mayor's race six years ago...
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