Arlington, Texas, December 12, 2025
The Arlington City Council narrowly voted to continue suspending its anti-discrimination ordinance, which protects the LGBTQ+ community. This decision means that the city will not process complaints related to discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity. The vote, marked by public testimonies, has stirred significant community reaction and discussions on the ordinance’s future in light of federal funding concerns.
Arlington City Council Votes 5-4 to Suspend Anti-Discrimination Ordinance
Arlington, Texas – In a closely contested decision, the Arlington City Council voted 5-4 on December 9, 2025, to continue the suspension of its anti-discrimination ordinance, which includes protections for the LGBTQ+ community. This vote means that the ordinance remains inactive, and the city will not handle complaints related to discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity.
Details of the Vote
The council members who voted to maintain the suspension were:
- Deputy Mayor Pro Tem Raul Gonzalez
- Councilmembers Mauricio Galante
- Rebecca Boxall
- Long Pham
- Bowie Hogg
Those in favor of reinstating the ordinance were:
- Mayor Jim Ross
- Councilmembers Nikkie Hunter
- Andrew Piel
- Barbara Odom-Wesley
Public Response
The council meeting was marked by emotional testimonies from residents. Over 60 speakers addressed the council, with 34 supporting the reinstatement of the ordinance and 11 opposing it. Supporters emphasized the importance of protecting all residents from discrimination, while opponents raised concerns about potential conflicts with federal and state laws.
Background Context
The anti-discrimination ordinance, initially adopted in 2021, was suspended in September 2025 due to concerns that its provisions could jeopardize over $60 million in federal funding. City officials cited potential conflicts with federal directives that could lead to the loss of these funds. The council has been deliberating on this issue for several months, with previous votes delayed to allow for further discussion and community input.
Next Steps
Following the vote, Mayor Ross expressed a commitment to continue working with all council members to find a solution that balances the city’s values with federal requirements. The council is expected to revisit the issue in the coming weeks to explore potential amendments to the ordinance that would address legal concerns while maintaining protections against discrimination.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Arlington anti-discrimination ordinance?
The ordinance, adopted in 2021, provides protections against discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, race, religion, and other characteristics in housing, employment, and public accommodations within Arlington.
Why was the ordinance suspended?
The ordinance was suspended in September 2025 due to concerns that its provisions could conflict with federal and state laws, potentially leading to the loss of over $60 million in federal funding for the city.
What does the recent vote mean for the ordinance?
The 5-4 vote means that the ordinance remains suspended, and the city will not handle complaints related to discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity until further action is taken by the council.
Will the council revisit this issue?
Yes, Mayor Ross indicated that the council will revisit the issue in the coming weeks to explore potential amendments to the ordinance that address legal concerns while maintaining protections against discrimination.
Key Features of the Arlington Anti-Discrimination Ordinance
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Protected Classes | Sexual orientation, gender identity, race, religion, and other characteristics |
| Areas Covered | Housing, employment, and public accommodations within Arlington |
| Initial Adoption | 2021 |
| Suspension Date | September 2025 |
| Recent Vote | December 9, 2025, to continue suspension |
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Arlington City Council Suspends LGBTQ+ Protections
Author: STAFF HERE DALLAS WRITER
The DALLAS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREDallas.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Dallas, Dallas County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the State Fair of Texas, Deep Ellum Arts Festival, and Dallas International Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Dallas Regional Chamber and United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, plus leading businesses in telecommunications, aviation, and semiconductors that power the local economy such as AT&T, Southwest Airlines, and Texas Instruments. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
