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The National Football League is responding the day after an ordinance that would have established nondiscrimination protections for gay and transgender people in Houston failed to win approval from voters.
Some supporters of the Houston Equal Rights Ordinance wondered if it was defeated, would the NFL threaten to take the 2017 Super Bowl away from the city. But the league said Wednesday it would not affect the Bayou City hosting the big game.
The NFL released a statement to KPRC 2 that read, "This will not affect our plans for Super Bowl LI in 2017. We will work closely with the Houston Super Bowl Host Committee to make sure all fans feel welcomed at our events. Our policies emphasize tolerance and inclusiveness, and prohibit discrimination based on age, gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, or any other improper standard."
HERO was rejected Tuesday after a nearly 18-month battle that spawned rallies, legal fights and accusations of both religious intolerance and demonization of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community.
Supporters had said the ordinance would have offered increased protections for gay and transgender people, as well as protections against discrimination based on sex, race, age, religion and other categories.
Opponents focused their campaign on one part of the ordinance related to use of public bathrooms by transgender men and women that they alleged would open the door for sexual predators to go into women's restrooms.
Complete election results here.
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