Contact:       Dave Welch                                November 22, 2010

                  832-688-9166

Hon. Greg Abbott

Texas Attorney General

300 W. 15th Street
Austin, TX 78701

Dear General Abbott:

We would like to request a formal opinion on whether Houston Mayor Annise Parker’s Executive Order 1-8 issued in April of 2010, “Prohibition of Discrimination Based on Sexual Orientation and/or Gender Identity” (attached), conflicts with state laws regarding the use of public restrooms by those of the opposite gender. The arrest by Houston Police Department of a supposedly transgendered “woman” using the restrooms at a Houston public library (“State, City Clash on Transgender Rights in the Bathroom”, Fox 26 News, Isiah Carey, November 19, 2010) brings to head a crisis of policy that threatens to incite legal and moral chaos in this and potentially every city in the state. 

Mayor Parker’s clear agenda to undermine state laws and community values by this order as well as her recent appointment of transgender activist attorney Phyllis Frye are, we believe, direct affronts to community standards as well as in conflict with both intent and letter of state laws.

The damage inflicted predominantly on women and children as the majority of victims of this agenda to promote gender confusion requires direct and comprehensive action by churches, community leaders and our elected officials.  On behalf of these victims we are asking for your opinion as expeditiously as possible.

Thank you for your outstanding service on behalf of the citizens of the state of Texas.

Sincerely,

Dave Welch

Executive Director

Houston Area Pastor Council