Last week, opponents of Houstonâs recently-passed non-discrimination ordinance turned in signatures to a petition calling for a November vote to consider repealing the measure.
17,269 signatures are needed from registered Houston voters in order to trigger such a vote. Opponents turned in 50,000, but they are all subject to verification over the next month, and the total number of legitimate signatures is expected to be lower.
Division over the ordinance focuses largely on protections for gay and transgender Houstonians who are not already federally protected from discrimination.
We review what the ordinance says and does, what the basis is for opposition, and how the city and ordinance supporters may respond, should the call for repeal make it onto Novemberâs ballot.
