Houston City Council Passes LGBT Equal Rights Ordinance 11-6

Good news from the nation's fourth largest city, Houston, Texas! After a prolonged fight, the Houston City Council did the right thing, and passed HERO, the Houston Equal Rights Ordinance, which prohibits discrimination in housing and employment based on sexual orientation and gender identity, by a vote of 11-6. Houston's Mayor, Annise Parker, is openly gay and she signed the measure so that it goes into effect immediately. Parker is currently in her 3rd term as Mayor.

Houston was the only major city in America without a non-discrimination ordinance. Violators face fines between $500-$5000.

Hat/tip to Joe Jervis