Public Information Act Request Submitted on San Antonio Ordinance; Answers, Transparency Sought
San Antonio, TX, September 4, 2013 – Today, Texas Values submitted a Texas Public Information Act request to Mayor Julian Castro and Councilman Diego Bernal, seeking access to and copies of any and all communications, including e-mails, letters, and any other written correspondence regarding the proposed non-discrimination ordinance proposed in 2013 by the San Antonio City Council. Last week’s discussion of the proposed ordinance between the San Antonio City Council members, Mayor Julian Castro, and City Attorney Michael Bernard raised serious questions about due process, proper analysis, intent, the original source or motivation for the proposed ordinance and whether or not this ordinance could survive a legal challenge in court.
Texas Values President Jonathan Saenz released this statement in regards to the growing outrage over the proposed ordinance:
“With the growing outrage to this unconstitutional proposal, the overwhelming opposition by the people of San Antonio and the embarrassment that this proposal has caused the city, the people deserve to know the truth behind this effort. The people expect real answers to important questions about this ordinance and why it has come about so swiftly. We hope the city will comply amicably and show real transparency on such an important issue.”
The San Antonio City Council is expected to vote on the proposed ordinance on Thursday. Last week, the City Council publicly discussed the ordinance for the first time, admitting that the city has no evidence of any discrimination based upon an individual’s sexual orientation and gender identity. Also revealing was City Attorney Michael Bernard’s answers to questions about the ordinance that caused more doubt and concern about the ordinance’s legal status and ability to hold up in court. Concerned citizens wearing blue swarmed the council chambers in opposition to the ordinance and for over six hours expressed serious concerns about how the ordinance would attack private businesses, stifle free speech, trample on religious liberty, and potentially create safety concerns in public-use bathrooms and changing facilities.
Texas Values will be on the ground for the vote by the City Council on Thursday.
About Texas Values
Texas Values is a non-profit organization dedicated to standing for faith, family, and freedom in Texas. More information is available at txvalues.org.
Photo: CREW