Back in May, many of our staff members, volunteers, board members and friends testified before City Council in support of the Houston Equal Rights Ordinance [HERO], which passed overwhelmingly but not without its detractors. HERO extends a ban on discrimination to include sexual orientation and gender identity when it comes to city employment, contracting, housing, and public accommodations.

Immediately after it was passed, a petition was launched to turn the ordinance into a ballot initiative, with the opposition hoping to convince enough voters to repeal equality. The petitions are being verified by the City Secretary, while LGBT-rights activists comb the petitions for irregularities/fraud that may invalidate signatures. If it does go to a referendum in the Fall, we will keep our supporters updated about how to become more involved through voter registration drives and other opportunities to educate Houston voters about why this measure is needed.

If you have been the victim of discrimination through employment or housing because of your LGBT status, your story may help teach others about the reality we face, since the people who oppose HERO believe that there is no evidence to suggest that anti-LGBT discrimination exists. Another way to get involved is through HOUequality.com.