(GayWebSource.com – Gay Media & Press Network) – Posted by Doug Magditch – HisBigD.com
Thursday, San Antonio city council approved an ordinance that adds sexual orientation and gender identity to the city’s current non-discrimination policy. The policy applies in cases of city employment, contracting, housing and public accommodations. The controversial ordinance passed with an 8-3 vote. Council members Elisa Chan, Carlton Soules, and Ivy Taylor voting against the measure.
“The San Antonio City Council did the right thing today in updating their ordinances to reflect the basic value that all city residents deserve to be treated equally under the law,” said Human Rights Campaign President Chad Griffin. “Mayor Julian Castro’s support and leadership on getting this done shows his real commitment to making San Antonio a world-class city where all citizens are treated with dignity and respect. Today’s vote is a victory, but the attacks we saw from our opposition in the run-up to this – particularly the transphobic messaging – remind us of the ruthless tactics they use to promote discrimination against LGBT people.”
The opposition included vocal church leaders who vowed to recall city council members. Their main concerns are the change in law could stifle religious expression and free speech.
“Today our community took a bold stand in demanding that all be protected,” said Jay Morris-Spriggs, a lead organizer with GetEQUAL Texas. “The united voices of our community could not be silenced and we stand not only with a new city ordinance protecting all of the LGBT community, but with a new-found sense of community that will continue forward on the path to full equality.”
Dallas, Fort Worth, and Austin have similar ordinances.
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