Houston puts equal rights ordinance on November ballot

Houston (AP) — Houston voters will decide whether to restore an equal rights ordinance struck down last month by the Texas Supreme Court.

The City Council voted 12-5 Wednesday to leave the law in place, which will put the issue before city voters on the Nov. 3 ballot.

The Texas Supreme Court had ordered the city to let voters decide if they want to ban discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. Otherwise, the court ruled the city would have to repeal the ordinance.

Houston Mayor Annise Parker, who is gay, backed the proposal when it was passed by the City Council last year. Conservative activists have challenged the ordinance ever since.

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The Gayly – August 6, 2015 @ 7:15am.