Native Texans Matt Bomer And Michael Sam Pledge Support For The Houston Equal Rights Ordinance
Houston residents will be voting on the fate of the repealed Houston Equal Rights Ordinance (HERO), also known as Proposition 1, in local elections on Tuesday, November 3.
The all-encompassing equal rights ordinance protects 15 different characteristics from discrimination in Texas, but it's been unfairly lampooned as "the bathroom ordinance" after conservative voters discovered it also protects a transgender person's right to use a restroom of the gender they identify with. This, they wrongfully believe without merit, will lead to an increase of transgender child molesters preying on children in restrooms.
Despite a strong uninformed opposition to the bill, support for it has also grown exponentially in the last few weeks. The Human Rights Campaign announced their push for support in the area over the weekend constituted the organization's "largest mobilization of staff for a campaign" in history.
Celebrities including Chris Kluwe, Hillary Clinton and Sally Field (NOT Beyonce — she ignored the pleas) have all vowed support for the bill.
Over the weekend, native Texans Michael Sam and Matt Bomer joined the movement in separate videos urging Houston to Vote YES on Prop 1.
Said Bomer: "I’m an actor, a parent, a husband and a Houstonian. I was raised with the belief that everyone deserves to be treated equally. These are the same values I grew up with in Houston and they're the same values I try to teach my kids. Please join me in supporting the Houston Equal Rights Ordinance. Vote yes on Proposition 1.”
Said Sam: "Work hard, play hard: football and Texas raised me with these values. As part of a team, it didn't matter if you were black or white, gay or straight, we were all equals in football and in life. As a Texas native, I was thrilled when the Houston Equal Rights Ordinance was passed last year, and equally disappointed when opponents petitioned for its repeal this year. Now that it's on the ballot, it's up to all of us to protect Houstonians from discrimination. I'm Michael Sam. Please join me in supporting the Houston Equal Rights Ordinance. Vote yes on Proposition 1.”
