Proposed equal rights ordinance garners big crowds

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Supporters and opponents of the proposed equal rights ordinance gathered at City Hall today in dueling news conferences.

Both sides want their voices heard before and vote in front of City Council that will take place tomorrow. Earlier in the morning, supporters of the proposed equal rights ordinance were up first. Houston Mayor Annise Parker, several Democratic elected officials, local clergy, as well as the Greater Houston Partnership the main group representing Houston businesses, were all present.

They say Houston is a city that is free from discrimination and they believe that this proposed ordinance will put Houston in line with all other major cities around the country.

"I'm a proud member of the gay community, and I know people who have been directly impacted by discrimination," said Ryan Lindsay, a supporter of the ordinance.

Opponents, though, have a different view. A number of local pastors and local Republican elected officials gathered this afternoon. Several hundred people were present on the city hall steps, and they spoke out. Led by Pastor David Welch and Harris Co. Republican Chair Jared Woodfill, the group first sang Amazing Grace.

"We're together for standing for what God says is right," said Pastor Max Miller.

Their view is this ordinance is an intrusion on their rights. They say they do not want the gay/lesbian/transgender lifestyle to be imposed on their communities. The group says it does supports Civil Rights, but it also worries the ordinance could endanger children who use public restrooms.

"We want to feel safe when we go to the restroom, and we don't want to feel there's going to be somebody that's going to take pictures of us," said Candy Rocha.

Mayor Annise Parker says that claim is simply not true.

"It is insulting and absurd to think any one of us standing here would want to do anything to make our children unsafe in a public place," Parker said.

The mayor did announce the proposal would remove the so-called "bathroom provision" before the final vote. The proposed ordinance also exempts churches and other religious groups.

The vote is scheduled for tomorrow.