Voters rejected a transgender rights ordinance in Houston Tuesday that many are referring to as the "bathroom bill," according to The Washington Times.
While the Houston Equal Rights Ordinance, also known as Proposition 1, covered issues regarding discrimination in "city contracting, business services, housing and employment," the law basically boiled down to bathrooms.
Conservative opponents of the bill argued that the ordinance for transgender people allowed sexual predators legal access into women's bathrooms, WAMU reported.
The bill's rejection comes in direct opposition to the city's mayor, Annise Parker, who is a supporter of the LGBT community.
Supporters of the bill say that they are not yet ready to give up on the fight for equality, according to Chron.
"We are disappointed with today's outcome, but our work to secure nondiscrimination protections for all hard-working Houstonians will continue," supporters wrote in a statement. "No one should have to live with the specter of discrimination hanging over them. Everyone should have the freedom to work hard, earn a decent living and provide for themselves and their families."
"Mark my words: It's only a matter of time before all Houstonians have equal rights," said Houston Unites campaign manager Richard Carlbom.
