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The NCAA says the defeat of the Equal Rights Ordinance will not impact the 2016 Final Four event in Houston, but may affect future games from being held in the city.
According to a statement in an article on outsports.com, "The NCAA has no plans to move the 2016 Final Four, as it takes years to plan and implement this world-class event... This vote, however, could impact the NCAA returning to Houston for a future Final Four."
Doug Hall, President & CEO of the 2016 NCAA Men’s Final, released a statement that read, "The Houston Local Organizing Committee looks forward to hosting the Final Four in our diverse city this spring. We are committed to working with the NCAA to ensure the event is open and accessible to all."
Houston also hosted the Final Four in 2011.
The Houston Equal Rights Ordinance 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.
It was struck down, with 61 percent of the voters voting against it.
Complete election results here.
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