HRC Endorses Davis

Wendy Davis scores Human Rights Campaign endorsement in governor's race

The Human Rights Campaign — the largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization — announced its endorsement of Wendy Davis for Texas governor.

The organization applauded what it called Davis' "stellar record" on LGBT issues during her tenure as a senator, while critiquing opponent Greg Abbott's history of anti-equality positions, including his opposition to a San Antonio ordinance that protects LGBT people from discrimination in city employment, housing and public accommodations.

"Her commitment to fairness for all Texas families make her the right choice for governor." — HRC president Chad Griffin on Wendy Davis

Davis has authored and sponsored legislation prohibiting employment discrimination in Texas and protecting LGBT students from bullying. She was also a surprise keynote speaker at the Black Tie Dinner in Dallas last November, which benefits North Texas LGBT-supportive organizations and the Human Rights Campaign Foundation.

"Wendy Davis has been a champion for equality for all, whether it is the working poor or LGBT Texans," said HRC president Chad Griffin. "Her dedication to the underdog and commitment to fairness for all Texas families make her the right choice for governor."

"Wendy Davis' energy and courage are needed in Austin," said Julie Johnson, a Texas attorney and HRC board member emeritus. "I'm proud to be one of the tens of thousands of HRC members in Texas, and I know that Wendy will fight for all our families when elected.

"Wendy has proven herself an effective leader – and that's exactly what the people of Texas need."

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E-Cigarette News

Dallas City Council places restrictions on vaping in public

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Man vaping

Vaping will now be banned exactly like smoking, thanks to a new ordinance from the Dallas City Council.

At their December 11 meeting, the council passed an ordinance to ban vaping in all the same areas where smoking is not allowed. It'll go into effect on December 11, 2025 — giving everyone a year to get into compliance.

Proposed by City of Dallas Environmental Commission (EVC) and the Office of Environmental Quality and Sustainability (OEQS), the ordinance amends the definition of “smoking” in the Dallas City Code to include the use of vaping devices.

The ordinance does not ban vaping — it only bans where you can vape: no vaping in all indoor and enclosed spaces; within 15 feet of building entrances; and on park property. The ordinance also bans marijuana smoking in those same places.

In addition, the amendment requires restaurants, hotels, fitness centers and other businesses to update their signage to clearly state that both smoking and electronic smoking devices are prohibited.

The ordinance already earned widespread support from health organizations such as the Dallas County Health and Human Services, the American Lung Association, and the American Heart Association. These organizations, along with the World Health Organization, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the U.S. Surgeon General, have all raised concerns about the health risks of direct and second-hand exposure to vaping aerosols, particularly for vulnerable populations such as children and older adults.

Dallas is not the first city to impose such a ban: San Antonio enacted a similar ban in October. Theirs goes into effect on January 1, 2025.

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