Washington, D.C. — The following statement was released by Center for American Progress Director of the LGBT Research and Communications Project Laura E. Durso after the Houston Equal Rights Ordinance, or HERO, failed to pass by ballot initiative on Tuesday.
While there is no denying that this result is a loss for the people of Houston—including the city’s lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender, or LGBT, residents who only sought to be treated fairly—this vote also underscores the urgent need for federal action to provide clear, explicit, and equal protections from discrimination for LGBT people nationwide. Despite the results in Houston, an overwhelming majority of Americans—including majorities of every race, religion, and political party—support LGBT-inclusive nondiscrimination laws. Most Americans already think these protections exist nationwide; and when the public is educated about the legal patchwork and reality of discrimination faced by LGBT families, the demand for action becomes unstoppable. After the passage of these laws in hundreds of cities across the country and in 19 states, the momentum is evident. If the LGBT community’s historic success with marriage equality tells us anything, it is that, in the long run, misinformation, negativity, and fear are always overwhelmed by optimism, hope, and—above all—love.
The following CAP experts are available for comment on HERO:
For more information on this topic or to speak with an expert, contact Tom Caiazza at [email protected] or 202.481.7141.