After hearing more than 200 speakers testify for more than eight hours today, the Houston City Council, presided over by gay Mayor Annise Parker, passed a sweeping LGBT-inclusive nondiscrimination ordinance that protects Houston citizens on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity, sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, pregnancy, genetic information, and family, marital or military status.

According to the Houston Chronicle, "the ordinance would apply to businesses that serve the public, private employers, housing, city employment and city contracting. Religious institutions would be exempt. Violators could be fined up to $5,000."