Mavericks’ Mark Cuban: ‘I have little tolerance for discrimination in my businesses’

AUSTIN, TX – A new multi-million dollar campaign, Texas Wins, kicked off today amid alarming efforts to openly promote – and expand – discrimination in the Lone Star State. Through business outreach, strategic communications, advertising, opposition research, and grassroots mobilization, the campaign will amplify the values of opportunity and fairness shared by a majority of Texans. Former George W. Bush media advisor Mark McKinnon will serve as chair of Texas Wins.

“All hardworking Texans should be able to put food on the table and a roof over their heads,” said Christina Canales Gorczynski, Texas Wins campaign director. “So it’s shocking that gay and transgender Texans can still be fired from their jobs or denied housing simply because of who they are. And, just as bad, such discriminatory policies are potentially expanding beyond the LGBT community to include veterans, single moms, people of faith, and many others. This is a can of worms we don’t want to open. Discrimination of any kind is not in line with Texas values.”

Texas Wins will ensure all Texans, including those who are gay and transgender, are protected from discrimination in housing, employment, and public accommodations.  The coalition includes Equality Texas, Texas Freedom Network, Texas Research Institute, ACLU of Texas, Athlete Ally, Faith in Public Life, and Resource Center.  A web site, texaswins.org, and social media properties accompany the launch.

Some of Texas’ largest employers – AT&T, Apple, American Airlines, Dell, HP, and Chevron – are on record in their support for workplace equality for all employees.

“I’m glad to see Texas Wins taking up the charge here and making a pro-business case to end discrimination in the Lone Star State,” said Mark Cuban, owner of the Dallas Mavericks and Landmark Theaters. “I have little tolerance for discrimination in my businesses, nor do a majority of Fortune 500 companies. Texas is a beacon for business and should follow corporate America’s lead on this one.”

Although polling continues to show strong majorities of Texans think gay and transgender people experience discrimination, a few legislators – unrepresentative of mainstream Texans – have proposed constitutional amendments that would allow some to claim that their religion gives them the right to ignore laws.

“For too long the state’s anti-equality forces have had the run of the field,” added Gorczynski. “That ends today.”

Texas Wins ensures all Texans, including those who are gay and transgender, are protected from discrimination in housing, employment, and public accommodations.