Battle over HERO heats up on air waves, draws former Astro

HOUSTON (FOX 26) - In the political battle one side wants to make about transgender access to bathrooms and the other about being our brother's keeper, new and persuasive voices are emerging, on both sides of the issue.

"As a member of the clergy and a Houstonian I think of discrimination as being Godless," said Pastor Michael Diaz of Resurrection Metropolitan Community Church.

Diaz is speaking for dozens of religious leaders who believe the protections and access the HERO ordinance provides will enhance human dignity in a community where it's often compromised.

"This is not just a campaign. This is how we live our lives. We believe people should be affirmed for who they are and no one should be subjected to discrimination," said Diaz.

It is a message HERO supporters are re-enforcing via television airwaves.

"We are all God's children. We are voting Yes and proposition one so that everyone can provide for their families without fear of discrimination," says Pastor Rudy Rasmus and his wife Juanita in the ad funded by Houston Unites.

It is a plea that's now competing with "Big Puma". Longtime Astro slugger Lance Berkman has delivered his considerable star power to the forces opposing Prop 1.

"No men in women's bathrooms, no boys in girls' showers or locker rooms....Join me to stop the violation of women's privacy and discrimination against women. Vote no on proposition one," says Berkman in the radio ad funded by the Campaign For Houston.