It's a big blow for gay rights activists who spent millions and earned endorsements from companies like Apple and presidential candidates like Hillary Clinton. The Houston Equal Rights Ordinance was nicknamed HERO. It would have, among other things, allowed people with various sexual identities to use whatever bathroom of the sex they identified themselves as—regardless of their biological sex.

Opponents worried it could put women and children at risk. Pastors and their churches across the city fought the measure out of that concern and because of other language in the measure.

They say the way the law was written, the city could fine and even imprison violators who did not make certain public accommodations.

Dave Welch with the Houston Area Pastors Council said it did not include strong protections for people of faith; to protect them if those public accommodations conflicted with their Biblical values. He said that was one reason Christians rallied against it. He also told CBN News that it really came down to standing for God's truth about sexuality.

Those supporting and voting for it included Houston's lesbian mayor Annise Parker.

She and others argued it was a necessary nondiscrimination ordinance to protect the LGBT community.

To receive daily emails from Breaking Christian News to your inbox CLICK HERE

72-Hour Revival at Baylor Leads to 20+ Baptisms: 'A Compelling Invitation to Know Jesus'

Erin Brewer Explains the Connection Between Childhood Trauma and Gender Dysphoria

Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds Signs Law Banning 'Gender Transitions' for Children, Males in Female Bathrooms

World Athletics Bans Transgender Athletes from Competing in Female Sports

House Fails to Override Biden's First Presidential Veto over Woke ESG Investment Rule

Senator Rand Paul Probes State Dep't Funding for Coronavirus Research: 'The American Public Needs to Know'

Federal Appeals Court Blocks Biden's Vaccine Mandate for US Government Workers

'Predators' Use TikTok to 'Groom Our Kids,' Chaya Raichik Says in Calling for National Ban on the Chinese App

Iran Proxy Forces Fire Multiple Rockets on US Base in Northeast Syria Following US Retaliatory Strikes after Iranian Drone Killed US Contractor

'This is Big, Folks': Kari Lake Scores a Victory from Arizona Supreme Court

Many Are Escaping Iran, and 'Hundreds Have Come to Faith in Jesus Christ' in the Process

Netanyahu: 'No Law' Will Pass in Knesset That 'Harms Christianity'

COVID in the 2030s: How Endless Booster Shots Will Devastate the Health of Our Children

Federal Agency Contradicts Biden, Says Student Loan Cancellation Not in Effect

Daily Signal Exclusive: GOP Bill Would Make Abortionists Report Victims of Trafficking

Is This the Bombshell Evidence That Destroyed Bragg's Case against Trump?

Trans-'Woman' (Biological Male) Finishes in First Place at New York City Women's Cycling Event, Sparks Anger

Ugandan Parliament Passes 'Anti-Homosexuality Bill,' Infuriating the Pro-LGBT West

'Cusp of Great Spiritual Awakening': Pastors Report Fresh 'Fire' in Wake of Methodist Mass Exodus

Ohio's Proposed New Abortion Amendment Will Take the State Back to the 'Dark Ages', Say Faith Leaders (VIDEO)