Texas High Court Strikes Down LGBT Ordinance

The Texas Supreme Court ruled Friday that the Houston City Council must repeal its controversial LGBT ordinance or put it on the November ballot.

A racially diverse coalition of Houston churches has fought for months to defeat the measure, which bans discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.

Supporters say what's known officially as the Equal Rights Ordinance would protect sexual minorities. But faith leaders say it would penalize businesses that want to practice biblical beliefs in the marketplace.

Dave Welch, executive director of the Houston Area Pastor Council, said Christian businesses facing complaints under the ordinance could be forced to pay a $500 daily fine, plus thousands of dollars in legal expenses.

Alliance Defending Freedom, a Phoenix-based Christian legal advocacy group, said the ordinance offers no legal protection for rights of conscience.

The latest ruling by the state Supreme Court comes three months after a state district judge ruled that ordinance opponents failed to gather enough valid signatures to force a repeal referendum.

The Houston City Council now has 30 days to repeal the ordinance or place it on the November ballot.

Houston is scheduled to elect a new mayor in November and all 16 council positions are up for a vote.

Other Texas cities like San Antonio have already passed similar ordinances.