Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Julian Castro has recorded a video calling on Houston voters to keep the Houston Equal Rights Ordinance (HERO).

HERO prohibits discrimination in housing, employment and public accommodations based on several characteristics including race, religion, sexual orientation and gender identity.

The 41-year-old former mayor of San Antonio, Texas endorsed passage of HERO in a one-minute video recorded for Houston Unites, the campaign working to keep the ordinance.

In making his endorsement, Castro keeps quiet on HERO's most controversial aspect, the inclusion of sexual orientation and gender identity.

“Sadly, too many Texans still face discrimination,” Castro said. “In Houston, 56 percent of discrimination reports filed in the last year were based on race and 14 percent were based on gender or pregnancy.”

“That's why Houston needs Proposition 1, the equal rights ordinance. It's a local tool that helps protect everyone regardless of race, religion, gender, military status and more.”

“Without local protections against discrimination, people can't get the legal help they need when it happens. It's wrong. And it hurts families and our whole community,” he added.

Houston voters head to the polls Tuesday.

Castro, a strong supporter of LGBT rights, is on the short list to become Hillary Clinton's running mate.