Mayor's Office Press Release

Mayor Parker Releases Statement on New Lawsuit Filed by Small Group of Pastors

August 3, 2015 -- This new lawsuit is not about civil rights or religious freedom. It’s about politics. It is being waged by a small group that wants to take Houston backward instead of moving it forward. I respect the pastors' right to use our legal process how they see fit, but their energy would be better invested in making sure Houston remains a welcoming, inclusive city that does not discriminate. Houston simply isn’t the City it was 20 or 30 years ago. We are a diverse mixture of residents who get along and are accepting of each other’s differences. It is this open and inclusive atmosphere that helps make Houston attractive to new residents, new business, major sporting events like the Super Bowl and more. The ongoing effort by this group threatens to hurt that image and our progress.