After last week’s standing-room-only Quality of Life Committee hearing, the full Houston City Council will convene tomorrow to hear from the public at 1:30 PM. At last week’s hearing a majority present was strongly opposed to the ordinance, but it is critically important that Houstonians show overwhelming opposition to the dangerous ordinance tomorrow before the full council.

This proposed ordinance is a direct threat to every person of faith and business owner in Houston and would set a dangerous precedent for the state of Texas. It would give government new power to force private individuals and businesses to affirm homosexual conduct and actual or perceived “gender identity” or face serious criminal penalties, and the ordinance is a serious threat to public safety by allowing men access to women’s bathrooms and locker rooms. Further, some provisions may also be enforced against churches. Read more analysis.

The most effective way to show your opposition is to sign up and testify before the council. Here is how you can make your voice heard:

• Sign up ahead of time (today) – contact the City Secretary’s office by calling 832-393-1100 or emailing citysecretary@houstontx.gov. Please let the secretary know you are speaking in opposition to the ordinance. You may also be able to sign up at the meeting in person prior to 1:30 PM.
• Go to City Hall Chambers at 901 Bagby St., 2nd floor (Google Map here). The meeting starts at 1:30 PM.
• Have a prepared one minute statement opposing the LGBT ordinance.
• Wait for your name to be called and share your statement.

If you can’t make the public hearing, you can still make your voice heard. On Wednesday, May 7, the ordinance is on the agenda of the City Council meeting and could be up for a vote. We need everyone to contact the City Council by email and phone over the next two days. The City Council must vote no on any proposal of this type as it threatens public safety and violates the religious freedom of the people of Houston.

Take Action: Please contact the Houston Mayor and City Council and ask them to stop this proposed ordinance from moving forward.