Arlington, Texas, December 10, 2025
The Arlington City Council has voted 5-4 to suspend protections for LGBTQ+ residents within the city’s anti-discrimination ordinance. This decision ends protections for sexual orientation and gender identity, sparking national concern among LGBTQ+ advocates about potential discrimination. The council’s vote followed a heated meeting with emotional testimony from over 60 speakers and raises fears about Arlington’s inclusivity and safety for LGBTQ+ individuals. Advocates are expected to continue pressing for the reinstatement of these crucial protections in light of this troubling development.
Arlington City Council Suspends LGBTQ+ Protections
Arlington, Texas – In a closely contested decision, the Arlington City Council voted 5-4 on December 9, 2025, to suspend protections for LGBTQ+ residents enshrined in the city’s anti-discrimination ordinance. This move has sparked significant concern among local LGBTQ+ advocates and residents.
Details of the Decision
The council’s vote effectively removes “sexual orientation” and “gender identity and expression” from the list of protected classes in Arlington’s anti-discrimination ordinance. As a result, the city will no longer handle complaints from LGBTQ+ individuals alleging discrimination in housing, employment, or public accommodations. The decision was reached after hours of emotional testimony from over 60 speakers, with 34 supporting the reinstatement of protections and 11 opposing it. The council members voting against reinstatement were Deputy Mayor Pro-Tempore Raul Gonzalez, Mauricio Galante, Rebecca Boxall, Long Pham, and Bowie Hogg. Mayor Jim Ross, along with council members Dr. Barbara Odom-Wesley, Nikkie Hunter, and Andrew Piel, voted in favor of reinstating the protections. Mayor Ross emphasized the city’s commitment to fostering an inclusive community, stating that despite the vote, Arlington remains dedicated to ensuring no individual faces discrimination.
Background and Context
The suspension of the ordinance follows concerns that maintaining the protections could jeopardize approximately $65 million in annual federal funding. City officials cited a new executive order from President Trump’s administration, which directed local governments to suspend “radical and wasteful government programs,” interpreted as a requirement to halt or revise local diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. In response, LGBTQ+ advocates and local organizations, including the Help Center for LGBTQ+ Health, mobilized to oppose the rollback, urging residents to attend the council meeting and publicly demonstrate support for maintaining the existing protections.
Implications and Reactions
The decision has raised concerns about the safety and well-being of LGBTQ+ residents in Arlington. Advocates argue that the removal of these protections could make the city less welcoming and safe for LGBTQ+ individuals. The debate in Arlington reflects a growing trend of local governments reassessing or rolling back diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives in response to federal directives and concerns over funding. Similar actions have been observed in other Texas cities, such as Fort Worth, which voted to suspend its DEI initiatives to safeguard more than $40 million in annual federal grants.
Next Steps
Following the council’s decision, discussions are expected to continue regarding the future of LGBTQ+ protections in Arlington. Community leaders and residents are likely to advocate for the reinstatement of these protections, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity and equal rights for all residents. The situation remains dynamic, and further developments are anticipated as the community responds to the council’s decision.
FAQ
What did the Arlington City Council vote on?
The Arlington City Council voted 5-4 to suspend protections for LGBTQ+ residents in the city’s anti-discrimination ordinance, removing “sexual orientation” and “gender identity and expression” from the list of protected classes.
Why did the council suspend these protections?
The suspension was due to concerns that maintaining the protections could jeopardize approximately $65 million in annual federal funding, following a new executive order from President Trump’s administration directing local governments to suspend certain programs.
What was the community’s response?
Over 60 speakers addressed the council, with 34 supporting the reinstatement of protections and 11 opposing it. Advocates and residents expressed concerns that the decision could make Arlington less welcoming and safe for LGBTQ+ individuals.
Have other cities taken similar actions?
Yes, other Texas cities, such as Fort Worth, have suspended their diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives in response to federal directives and concerns over funding.
What are the next steps for Arlington?
Community leaders and residents are expected to advocate for the reinstatement of LGBTQ+ protections, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity and equal rights for all residents. Further developments are anticipated as the community responds to the council’s decision.
Key Features of the Arlington City Council’s Decision
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Decision | 5-4 vote to suspend LGBTQ+ protections in the anti-discrimination ordinance |
| Council Members Voting Against Reinstatement | Raul Gonzalez, Mauricio Galante, Rebecca Boxall, Long Pham, and Bowie Hogg |
| Council Members Voting For Reinstatement | Mayor Jim Ross, Dr. Barbara Odom-Wesley, Nikkie Hunter, and Andrew Piel |
| Community Response | Over 60 speakers, with 34 supporting reinstatement and 11 opposing it |
| Federal Funding Concern | Potential loss of approximately $65 million in annual federal funding due to the suspension |
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