Texans owner Bob McNair donates $10,000 to anti-HERO effort



McNair is among nearly two dozen Texans who have donated big money in the 2016 presidential race. See the other Lone Star State residents funding the battle for the White House. less Houston Texans owner Bob McNair donated $10,000 to the anti-HERO campaign this week.

McNair is among nearly two dozen Texans who have donated big money in the 2016 presidential race. See the other Lone Star ... more Houston Texans owner Bob McNair donated $10,000 to the anti-HERO campaign this week. Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle Image 1 of / 36 Caption Close Texans owner Bob McNair donates $10,000 to anti-HERO effort 1 / 36 Back to Gallery

Houston Texans owner Bob McNair donated $10,000 this week to opponents of the city's embattled equal rights ordinance, entering the political fray over the law headed to voters in November.

McNair, a frequent GOP donor, mailed the $10,000 check to opponents earlier this week, according to Campaign for Houston spokesman Jared Woodfill. He said the donation "was very exciting for us."

RELATED: Annise Parker hits back at Astros legend for anti-HERO advertisement

Critics of the law, largely Christian conservatives, object to the non-discrimination protections it extends to gay and transgender residents — the law also lists 13 other protected groups. Supporters of the ordinance, including Mayor Annise Parker, have warned that repealing the law could damage the city's economy and could jeopardize high-profile events such as Houston's 2017 Super Bowl.

Woodfill pushed back on that notion Wednesday.

RELATED: Anti-HERO campaign targets women in first radio ad

"The HERO supporters have tried to scare people into believing that we would lose the Super Bowl," Woodfill said. "Obviously, if there were any truth behind that, Bob McNair wouldn't' be donating to the folks that are opposed to the ordinance."

Richard Carlbom, campaign manager for supporters of the law, released a statement saying the "vast majority of Houston business interests taking a position on Proposition 1 support it."

RELATED: Ted Cruz's father says it's 'appalling' that Houston has a gay mayor

"They know discrimination is bad for business and bad for the city's image. Over time, companies, including sporting franchises, will stop wanting to come here."