Arlington votes to end LGBTQ protections in anti-discrimination ordinance
The Arlington City Council narrowly voted to remove protections for LGBTQ+ residents Tuesday as part of an amendment to its anti-discrimination ordinance.
The City Council, which voted 5-4 to remove LGBTQ+ protections, first decided to temporarily suspend the anti-discrimination ordinance in August until city staffers could create amendments that removed diversity, equity and inclusion language to comply with federal orders. If they did not, the city risked losing $65 million in federal grant money following President Donald Trump’s threat to withhold funding to cities with DEI programs.
The decision to make amendments was delayed twice, first in October and then again in November, before the City Council made a decision late Tuesday night. Since the last delay, the city had requested a full report on what needs to be done before making a decision, said Mayor Jim Ross.
Ross was one of the four who voted to reinstate the anti-discrimination ordinance, joining Councilmembers Nikkie Hunter, Barbara Odom-Wesley and Andrew Piel.
“What are we doing?” Ross asked the council prior to the final vote. “What message are we sending to our children? I would not be able to live with myself if I did not vote yes on this ordinance.”
The phrases “Gender Identity and Expression” and “Sexual Orientation” that were previously mentioned in the anti-discrimination ordinance that first passed in 2021 were in question when it comes to unlawful employment and public accommodation practices.
Now, any Arlington residents who experience discrimination because of their sexual orientation or gender identity cannot look to the city for help.
The ordinance had previously stated that discrimination is “any direct or indirect exclusion, distinction, segregation, limitation, refusal, denial, or other differentiation in the treatment of a person or persons because of a race, color, national origin, age, religion, sex, disability, sexual orientation or gender identity.”
Thirty-four speakers spoke in support of reinstating the ordinance and just 11 spoke in favor of removing it. Attendees packed the Council Chamber largely in support of reinstating the ordinance. Dozens of Arlington residents showed up with Pride flags and pro-LGBTQ+ clothing and memorabilia.
“I am often approached by colleagues who are so amazed that I work in a city in Texas that is so supportive of my patients and my patient population,” said Kelly Tillman, chief clinical officer for the HELP Center for LGBT Health and Wellness. “If Arlington withdraws protections for the LGBTQ community, I expect those conversations will change greatly. I’m not sure how this will impact Arlington’s reputation as an inclusive, vibrant city.”
Despite voting against reinstating the ordinance, Councilmember Mauricio Galante spoke about his own experience with discrimination as a native of Brazil who moved to the United States in 2003. He promised that Arlington would not change and everyone can feel safe despite the result of the vote.
Councilmembers Raul Gonzalez, Rebecca Boxall, Bowie Hogg and Long Pham also spoke in opposition of the ordinance before officially voting no.
Public speakers in support of reinstating the anti-discrimination ordinance ranged from as young as a sophomore in high school to Mark Clark, a 75-year-old lifelong resident of Arlington.
“I don’t appreciate being discriminated against,” said Clark, who introduced himself as gay to the Council. “I don’t appreciate the fact that I even have to stand up here tonight. My husband and I love [Arlington.] I love the fact that it’s the most inclusive, diverse, great place to live. So please don’t make me leave, because I guarantee I’m not the only one that will.”
The Fort Worth City Council voted in August on a similar ordinance to end DEI programs to protect $277 million in federal funds. But unlike in Arlington, the city code still includes sexual orientation, transgender, gender identity or gender expression as protected classes from discrimination.
City of Fort Worth spokesperson Sana Syed told the Star-Telegram at the time that “no changes were needed to adhere to new federal requirements and none are planned at this time.”
“I think that, ultimately, tweaking [the ordinance] in some way, shape or form is necessary,” Ross said. “I also believe that reinstating this ordinance in its entirety is necessary. We need to let our community know here in Arlington that you matter to us.”
This story was originally published December 9, 2025 at 9:43 PM.
