Houston becomes first major U.S. city to elect openly gay woman as mayor
Houston Calling for gay mayor Annise Parker.
HOUSTON – The fourth largest city in the United States has made history by electing its first openly gay female mayor despite a ferocious attack by conservatives who made an issue of the fact that she is a lesbian.
Annise Parker, who has been city controller, never concealed her sexual orientation and in her victory speech after defeating fellow democrat Gene Locke, she declared: “This election has changed the world for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender communities, just as this election is about transforming Houstonians’ lives for the better.”
On her campaign page, she said: “Annise and her life partner, Kathy Hubbard, have been together since 1990. They have two children.”
Her victory may surprise some who see Texas as a Conservative state where gay marriage is illegal. Yet, Parker fought on a platform of fiscal conservatism, crime issues, and taxes.
“I met fathers worried about finding a good job. I” met mothers worried about crime. I met young men and women who only want a chance for a good education. Families worried about taxes. Homeowners who just want to protect the neighborhood they love. Hear me: the city is on your side,” she said in her victory statement.
“Let us begin from this moment to join as one community, united in the goal of making Houston the city it could be, should be, can be and will be. That’s what this city will be about under my administration,” she said.
“Public service is a noble calling, and I appreciate that Gene Locke was willing to answer this call. He is a man who has been deeply involved in our community for many years and I hope he will continue to serve Houston. I wish for him and his family the very best.
“Let me close by saying that while this is an exciting night, it is also a humbling experience. Our citizens deserve our best effort and I pledge to give them an administration that values honesty, integrity and transparency above all else. My administration will be concerned with only one interest: the public good,” she said.
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Posted by Salim Jiwa
on Dec 13 2009. Filed under U.S. and World.
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