Future compromise unacceptable to HERO opponents

HOUSTON (FOX 26) - HERO got clobbered.

By pushing the most expansive equal rights ordinance in the nation, Mayor Annise Parker took a well-funded swing for the fence and struck out.

As the 20 point loss sunk in, Parker responded with anger.

"I fear this will have stained Houston's reputation as a tolerant, welcoming, global city and I absolutely fear there will be a direct economic backlash," said Parker.

"This is about a small group of people who want to preserve their ability to discriminate," she added.

But HERO opponents near complete focus on Transgender access to bathrooms struck a vital cord with voters, many of whom rejected new, local protection for themselves to in order to defeat Prop One.

"It's interesting to see the only area that voted in favor of HERO was, not surprisingly, inside the loop. That was it. Even the areas that are predominately Latino or African American voted against HERO," said Jon Taylor, political analyst at St. Thomas University.

Rice Political analyst Mark Jones says pragmatists looking to head off backlash will propose a scaled back version of HERO the community can embrace.

  "We all know that a HERO ordinance will be passed in the Spring if not sooner and that ordinance will effectively ameliorate any negative blowback nationwide," said Jones.

Flush with victory, the social conservative group that bank rolled the alarming anti-HERO ads now says it's unwilling to accept compromise, even if Transgender access to restrooms is removed from the new ordinance.

"No deal needs to be cut. We do not need a non-discrimination ordinance in Houston, Texas. Any Mayoral candidate who tries to refashion the HERO ordinance is simply not listening to the voters," said Jared Woodfill, spokesman for Campaign For Houston.

"I think our victory here is going to spark a flame that ignites a revolution," he added.