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December 14, 2009

Houston Becomes Largest US City to Elect Openly Gay Mayor
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Voters in Houston have made history by becoming the largest US city to
elect an openly gay mayor. City controller Annise Parker was elected
Saturday with a more than 11,000-vote margin over opponent Gene Locke.
Parker’s candidacy had come under fierce opposition from homophobic
groups. A mailer sent out to Houston voters denounced Parker for
“homosexual behaviour” and her backing from the “gay and lesbian
political caucus.” Campaign records show two key members of Locke’s
financial committee each donated $20,000 to the group behind the mailer.
Parker will replace outgoing Houston Mayor Bill White, who is seeking
the Democratic nomination for Texas governor.



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