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sAN ANtoNio, teXAs When it comes to issues of equality, our nation’s cities are leading the charge because we know that prosperous cities gain great economic strength from celebrating and cultivating diversity.
At a time when partisanship too often trumps practical policy in our national and state legislative bodies, municipalities are leading the way on key issues that impact the day-today lives of most Americans. When it comes to issues of equality, our nation’s cities are leading the charge because we know that prosperous cities gain great economic strength from celebrating and cultivating diversity. In that regard, san Antonio is the new face of the American dream. As the nation’s 7th largest city (as well as one of the fastest growing cities in the United States), San Antonio has taken important steps to ensure there are no secondclass citizens. This year we passed a wide-ranging ordinance that prohibited discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity in housing, public accommodations, city contracting, and city employment. I am proud that this improved San Antonio’s MEI score from a 48 in 2012 to an 86 in 2013. By taking
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this proactive approach, we have made it perfectly clear that San Antonio is a welcoming and inviting city that is ready to compete in the 21st century global economy. As with other civil rights struggles, the road to inclusion can be challenging, but history is the ultimate judge. I believe that the same principle applies to today’s struggle for LGBT equality and it is my hope that generations to come will continue to build upon the progress that has been made to ensure equality under the law for every citizen. JuliAN cAstRo Mayor
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