Houston Mayor Defends Controversial Ordinance Critics Say Will Allow Men in Women's Bathrooms

Christian Post ^ | 07/08/2014 | Michael Gryboski

[SeekAndFind]

In response to a petition that reportedly garnered over 50,000 signatories, the mayor of Houston has pledged to defend an antidiscrimination ordinance that critics say will allow transgendered men to use women's bathrooms.

Mayor Annise Parker, supporter of the Houston Equal Rights Ordinance, has stated that the ordinance will not be repealed.

"The Houston I know does not discriminate, treats everyone equally and allows full participation by everyone in civic and business life," said Parker, in a statement shared with The Christian Post.

"We don't care where you come from, the color of your skin, your age, gender, what physical limitations you may have or whom you choose to love. I am confident voters will soundly defeat any challenge to the ordinance."

In May, the Houston City Council voted 11 to 6 to approve an "Equal Rights Ordinance" for the city. The ERO amended Chapters 2, 15 and 17 of Houston's Code of Ordinances, prohibiting discrimination in public facilities and private employment on the basis of "protected characteristics."

This list of protected characteristics included race, color, ethnicity, sex, national origin, age, familial and marital status, military status, religion, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, sexual orientation and gender identity.

Critics of ERO have claimed that it will have several unintended consequences, such as allowing transgendered men to use women's bathrooms.

[Wicket]

Idiots.

[MNGal]

“ust remember when an increase in rapes and assaults come who to hold”

That was my first thought when I saw this ordinance. Will the city/Mayor have a lawsuit filed against them for endangering women’s safety in the case of an assault/rape?

[Spirochete]

The American Left: Godzillas of hyperbole.

Awesome! That would be a great tag line.

[Tennessee Nana]

I’ll manage

[Tennessee Nana]

To Beaumont and home to TN

[defconw]

Depends on what I’m wearing. :)

[RetiredTexasVet]

Would be so much simpler to have another bathroom designated “Other” for queers, freaks and perverts.

[ltc8k6]

Well, this sort of thing is going on in lots of cities. It’s even going on in schools.

If you “identify” as female, you can use the women’s facilities, including showers.

And vice versa, though I suspect that is rare.

So, it’s hardly a new thing.

Archie Bunker: “I stopped in the gent’s room the other day, so help me there was a man in there with a ponytail. My heart nearly turned over, I thought I was in the wrong terlet. “

[lonestar]

Barf!!!!!!!!

[Grams A]

This ordinance is about way more than sharing bathrooms. If you choose to do business in the City and anyone accuses you of discrimination you might as well hang it up because you will be found guilty by the Mayor’s special commission and fined until you correct the error of your ways or go bankrupt.

Considering the fact that not only is it a sanctuary city, it is filled with lots of gays and followers of Sheila Jackson Lee. Don’t see how it will be possible to get through a business day without offending someone.

[Lionheartusa1]

,,, our country has gone mad ,,,,, where’s the outrage over decency and respect for ones modesty ? Maryland has this ordinance also. It’s a perverts paradise .

[GeronL]

Men joining little girls at the school showers... sick

[defconw]

I used to feel bad that I couldn’t have kids. Now I am glad. No matter what happens my grandchildren will not be exposed to this. Feel for everyone else who has kids.