Austin360 blogs > Out & About > Archives > 2011 > July > 05 > Entry
Atticus Circle Party at Whole Foods Headquarters
Entering the most recent Texas legislative session, backers of the Atticus Circle kept expectations low. After all, this doughty troop of straight citizens who advocate for equal rights faced overwhelming Republican majorities in both houses. And the Tea Party wing of the Republican party revealed almost immediately that it is driven as much by social conservatism as by fiscal conservatism.
Mike O’Kent and Ruth Gardner-Loew
Yet, thanks in part to lobbying by Austin-based Atticus and allies like Equality Texas, few if any anti-gay bills were passed, while two pieces of anti-bullying legislation made it into law. Nobody expected a New York-style marriage equality miracle, but not bad for our beloved, sometimes gay-unfriendly state.
Courtney Spence and Greg Marshall
One reason for the legal success, Atticus founder Anne S. Wynn reported during a celebratory party at the Whole Foods Headquarters, was a statewide poll taken before the session. Questioned on 12 civil rights issues that concern the gay community, majorities supported 10. And the margin of disagreement on two gay-marriage questions had narrowed since previous polls.
Emma Alpert and Andrew Schnack
The upbeat Austinites who filled the building’s lobby had good reason to congratulate each other and plan for future barnstorming.
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment Categories: Law
Comments
When commenting, we ask that you keep things civil and abide by our Visitor Agreement. To report comment abuse, click here.