General Electric, BASF, HP and EMC
Corporation have joined a growing roster of companies backing passage
of the LGBT-inclusive 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.
Opponents of the law forced it onto
Tuesday's ballot. Early voting ended Friday.
According to Houston Unites, the
campaign working to keep HERO, nearly 60 companies have endorsed
passage of Proposition 1, the ballot initiative that would keep the
law in place, including
Apple.
“As the world's largest chemical
company, BASF is committed to business growth,” BASF said in a
statement given to Houston Unites. “We have strong business
interests and growth opportunities in Houston and the surrounding
area. Our ability to continue to invest and grow here depends on our
ability to fully leverage the advantages of a multi-cultural city
that offers equal rights for all. BASF supports Proposition 1.”
HERO has also received backing from
numerous politicians and celebrities, including President
Barack Obama, Vice President Joe Biden, Democratic presidential
candidate Hillary
Clinton, HUD Secretary Julian
Castro, actors Sally
Field and Matt
Bomer and athlete Michael
Sam.