Fairness Works HoustonA coalition of local organizations and community leaders are currently working toward the introduction of an amendment to the City of Houston Charter to prohibit discrimination in employment, housing, and public accommodations. We believe all Houstonians deserve a fair chance to earn a living to provide for their families, a roof over their head, and a chance to make Houston a better place through strong businesses. This effort is still in the preliminary stages, and the proposed Charter amendment is undergoing legal review. In the coming weeks, Fairness Works Houston will be launching a website, raising funds, and preparing to collect 20,000 signatures required to place the amendment on the November 2012 ballot. Please join us for a community meeting about this effort on February 25th at the Montrose Counseling Center, located at 404 Branard Street at 1:00 pm. You can also stay up to date on the effort on our Facebook page by clicking the icon below.
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CLICK THE IMAGE ABOVE TO CONTRIBUTE TO Checks can be mailed to: FAIRNESS WORKS HOUSTON Contributions made through the Caucus website for Fairness Works Houston will be earmarked specifically for that effort. Your contribution will not be used to pay Caucus operating expenses or support political candidates. |
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Frequently Asked Questions:Q: What types of discrimination will this amendment prohibit? A: This amendment will prohibit discrimination in employment, housing and public accommodations on the basis of age, race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, disability, marital status, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, or physical characteristic. Q: Will this help or hurt Houston's economy? A: Studies show that cities and states with inclusive non-discrimination laws tend to see an increase in economic development and jobs because businesses and workers see those cities as a welcoming place where they can feel comfortable living and working. Q: How much will this cost taxpayers? A: Nothing. Q: If the amendment passes, when will it go into effect? A: This is still under legal review, but we expect it will go into effect within three to six months of passage. Q: Will this affect small businesses or religious organizations? A: There will be certain exemptions for businesses with fewer than 15 employees and religious organizations. Q: I heard this will force the City to offer benefits to same-sex partners of City employees; is that true? A: No. This amendment will NOT require the City of Houston to change anything about its current medical benefits plan, and Fairness Works Houston is not asking for any changes to the medical benefits plan. Q: How will this be enforced if it passes? A: The Mayor and City Council will be required to enact an ordinance that will provide administrative, civil, and criminal remedies for violations, and will also be required to seek public input as the ordinance is developed. Such an ordinance will be have to be in place by the time the amendment goes into effect. Q: Is Mayor Annise Parker involved in Fairness Works Houston? A: No. Mayor Parker has always been an advocate for ending discrimination, but this effort is independent of any opinions she has. We hope that Mayor Parker and the rest of City Council will be supportive and encourage their own supporters to stand together with us. |
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