Houston residents failed to pass Proposition 1, also know as Houston's Equal Rights Ordinance, or HERO, on Tuesday's election night. The bill would have extended discrimination protection laws to to people based on 15 classes of identity, including gender identity and sexual orientation.
After facing a lengthy, conservative-backed media battle claiming HERO would make it easier for sexual predators to target women in public restrooms, the bill lost by a landslide in the early voting portion of the election, with 65% voting to repeal the measure and only about 35% in support of it.
Texas Lieutenant Gov. Dan Patrick tweeted his satisfaction with the bill's rejection, writing, "On the defeat of Houston Prop 1. Men, stay out of women's locker rooms and restrooms #NoonHoustonProp1."
On the defeat of Houston Prop 1 http://bit.ly/1OndYHF . Men, stay out of women's locker rooms and restrooms #NOonHoustonProp1
However, others across social media weren't as thrilled about HERO's failing. When news began circulating Tuesday night Houston would be removing the ordinance, Texans, progressives and most of the internet immediately began expressing their dismay.
What happened in Houston shows the power of scare tactics, and is a wake-up call to fight them with ever more craft, vigor and stamina
Some Houstonians decided to throw in the towel after Tuesday night and begin looking for other cities to move to:
I don't know why I thought #Houston would be decent enough to stand up for equal rights. Anyone want to suggest a better city? #HERO
Houston's fellow Texan neighbors provided some answers, telling the LGBT community they're always welcome in Austin:
Houston gays. Move to Austin. Sexual orientation and gender identity are protected classes in housing, employment, & public accomm #HERO
Meanwhile, the rest of Twitter was simply shocked by HERO's defeat:
Our collective hearts are breaking as we watch fearmongering and falsehood win in #Houston. So many good people misled. #HERO
Frustrated, angry & sad to see trans people used as scare tactic. This ordinance could have protected so many #HERO https://twitter.com/PFLAG/status/661735097687650304 ...
But the fight for equality doesn't appear to be over in Houston just yet:
Absolutely devastated that #HERO failed in Houston, but I know tireless Texas advocates will keep pushing for what's right. #NEVERNOTWORKING
Houston, be strong! Hate wins early battles & loses the war. #hero fight for fairness, dignity not over. #trans #lgbt
