![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/HELP-Center-LGBTQ-logo.jpg\"){kind=logo}
<\/p>\nDeeJay Johannessen<\/p>\n
SPONSORED CONTENT<\/p>\n
Basic civil rights for the LGBTQ community were recently placed at real risk in Arlington. But through swift action and broad public engagement, we may have just dodged a bullet.<\/p>\n
A common tactic used by opponents of equality is to raise fears about federal funding. In Arlington, the city attorney interpreted a recent attorney general guidance as a threat to $65 million dollars in federal grants unless the city amended its anti-discrimination ordinance. HELP reviewed the same guidance and reached a different conclusion: It applied to DEI programs, NOT anti-discrimination laws. HELP\u2019s attorney quickly prepared a legal opinion outlining the error, and we immediately sent it to the mayor, city manager, and all council members, highlighting the fact that NO federal money was at risk.<\/p>\n
Losing this type of funding would be devastating. Any city would be obligated to consider such warnings seriously. The city attorney suggested Arlington could demonstrate compliance by removing sexual orientation and gender identity from the anti-discrimination ordinance \u2014 effectively stripping LGBTQ people of explicit protections. At no time did HELP ever believe this action was based on council members being anti-LGBTQ+.<\/p>\n
The council\u2019s initial response was to suspend the ordinance entirely. At that moment, HELP knew we had only days to act. If we failed, every LGBTQ person living or working in Arlington risked losing basic civil rights.<\/p>\n
We mobilized immediately. Videos were scripted in the morning and filmed that afternoon. Social media and direct mail went out; a billboard went up, and text messaging was deployed at high speed. Arlington residents and LGBTQ people, allies and supporters across the country made their voices heard. Calls, emails and public comments poured in. The message was unmistakable: No federal funds were at risk, and equality is not negotiable.<\/p>\n
Hundreds showed up at the council meeting where reinstating the ordinance without LGBTQ protections was scheduled for a vote. If this had passed, Arlington would become the first city in our nation\u2019s history to remove sexual orientation from an existing ordinance. The people\u2019s presence made clear that our community was not going to fade away quietly. The council subsequently postponed action several times as members continued gathering facts and engaging with the community.<\/p>\n
I want to take a moment of personal privilege. I have known Mayor Jim Ross for years. He has consistently been a strong ally to the LGBTQ community. This situation placed him in an extraordinarily difficult position \u2014 balancing his longstanding commitment to equality with his fiduciary duty to protect the city\u2019s funding. Throughout the process, he never shied away from engagement. Our conversations were candid and often spirited, and it was clear that he was sincerely searching for a responsible, principled way forward.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs the mayor of Arlington, I am proud of our city council\u2019s collaboration with community leaders to continue to foster an inclusive environment for all,\u201d Mayor Ross said. \u201cTogether we are committed to keeping Arlington a place where all are welcome while ensuring that our mutual efforts align with state and federal guidelines.\u201d<\/p>\n
Through determined advocacy \u2014 and the willingness of both HELP and City leadership to collaborate \u2014 we now have revised language that fully restores protections for sexual orientation and gender identity while satisfying the city\u2019s federal obligations.<\/p>\n
HELP encourages you to show up and voice your support \u2014 and urge your council members to support \u2014 passage of the ordinance on Tuesday, Dec. 9. Please join us as Arlington votes to continue its commitment to equality and to protecting LGBTQ residents, workers, and visitors.<\/p>\n
Thank you,
DeeJay R. Johannessen, CEO
Arlington City Council Meeting
Dec. 9, 2025 \u2014 6:30 p.m.
101 W. Abram St.
Council Chambers
Arlington, Texas 76010<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
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