Tell Houston Police Department: Don't Discriminate Against Transgender Residents

The Issue

Houston, Texas made history earlier this year, when Mayor Annise Parker issued an executive order barring discrimination in public facilities on the basis of gender identity and gender expression. Parker's order extended a city non-discrimination ordinance which already protected Houston residents on the basis of sexual orientation, race, religion and gender.

Of course, someone might want to let the Houston Police Department know about this order. Because last Friday, a Houston police officer threw a transgender woman in jail just for using a women's restroom.

That woman is Tyjanae Moore, and she spoke with Houston's Fox station to discuss the ordeal she went through after using the women's restroom at the Houston Public Library.

"I felt so belittled going to a jail over something so simple and stupid," Moore said.

Police said they were justified in making the arrest, because Moore herself hasn't gone through a complete sex change operation. Because of that, police viewed her as a male, despite the fact that she lives 24/7 as a woman. And the end result was a visit to a jail cell.

Send the Houston Police Department a message that they should be following the city of Houston's laws, including the executive order from Mayor Parker banning discrimination on the basis of gender identity and gender expression. The Houston Police Department should also apologize to Moore for arresting her needlessly.

avatar of the starter
Michael JonesPetition StarterManaging Director of Campaigns @ Change.org. On the side I write some sketch comedy, and enjoy being the proud parent of the best dog on the planet.
This petition had 837 supporters

The Issue

Houston, Texas made history earlier this year, when Mayor Annise Parker issued an executive order barring discrimination in public facilities on the basis of gender identity and gender expression. Parker's order extended a city non-discrimination ordinance which already protected Houston residents on the basis of sexual orientation, race, religion and gender.

Of course, someone might want to let the Houston Police Department know about this order. Because last Friday, a Houston police officer threw a transgender woman in jail just for using a women's restroom.

That woman is Tyjanae Moore, and she spoke with Houston's Fox station to discuss the ordeal she went through after using the women's restroom at the Houston Public Library.

"I felt so belittled going to a jail over something so simple and stupid," Moore said.

Police said they were justified in making the arrest, because Moore herself hasn't gone through a complete sex change operation. Because of that, police viewed her as a male, despite the fact that she lives 24/7 as a woman. And the end result was a visit to a jail cell.

Send the Houston Police Department a message that they should be following the city of Houston's laws, including the executive order from Mayor Parker banning discrimination on the basis of gender identity and gender expression. The Houston Police Department should also apologize to Moore for arresting her needlessly.

avatar of the starter
Michael JonesPetition StarterManaging Director of Campaigns @ Change.org. On the side I write some sketch comedy, and enjoy being the proud parent of the best dog on the planet.

The Decision Makers

Regina Woolfolk
Regina Woolfolk
Public Affairs, HPD

Petition Updates