Prompt: The “You Decide” unit for Chapter 10 looks at the divide between city governments and the state when cities want to adopt laws with which the state government doesn’t agree. Local bans on plastic bags and fracking have been pre-empted by the state of Texas. One controversial example has been the so-called Houston Bathroom Ordinance. In this case, the Houston city council passed an anti-discrimination ordinance that included sexual orientation and gender identity among the identities covered by the city ordinance. After court disputes, a referendum on this ordinance was included on the November 2015 ballot. A “yes” vote would adopt the ordinance. However, as the text notes, the “no” votes won. Select 3 of the following questions to address in your post. 1. Why do you think so many elected officials outside of the city of Houston wanted to weigh in on the Houston anti-discrimination ordinance? 2. The text points out that Texas is among the 28 states that do not include sexual orientation or gender identity in their anti-discrimination laws. Why do you think Texas does not include these as protected categories in anti-discrimination laws? 3. The proposed Houston ordinance is a city anti-discrimination law. Why do you think this became nicknamed the Houston “Bathroom Ordinance”? Do you think the bathroom imagery helped or hurt either side in the campaign for yes and no votes on this ordinance? 4. When is it appropriate for cities to pass laws on issues that the state hasn’t yet addressed? 5. Under what circumstances should the state of Texas pass laws to stop cities from addressing these issues through local ordinances? Reminder: The research criteria is 2-3 scholarly sources (articles from peer-reviewed academic journals), plus supplemental sources (from credible outlets) for current events. Always identify your sources with both in the body of the text and with a formal citation at the end of your posting. The minimum writing requirement must be met and exceeded using your own words (do not include cited information in your word count)