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San Antonio Approves Gay Rights Ordinance

The San Antonio City Council has adopted anti-bias protections for gay and transgender citizens over the protest of religious conservatives and top Republicans in Texas.

The 8-3 council vote Thursday adds the nation's seventh-largest city to a list of nearly 180 others nationwide with ordinances banning discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity. San Antonio was the last major Texas city without the protections.

The local proposal roiled conservatives nationwide and was opposed by big-name Republicans. They included U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz and Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott, who predicted a lawsuit over religious freedoms. But Abbott has not said the state will challenge the ordinance.

The packed council chamber was divided by supporters in red shirts and opponents in blue sitting on opposite sides of the room.

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