FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 8, 2015

Contact: Daniel Stevens, 202.780.5750, dstevens@campaignforaccountability.org

In response to the press conference held this afternoon by Councilman Michael Kubosh and Councilman Dave Martin, Campaign for Accountability issued the following statement:

Campaign for Accountability (CfA) has done nothing more than request records publicly available pursuant to the Texas Public Information Act. The idea that a simple records request constitutes an effort to harass or intimidate anyone is ludicrous. Councilman Michael Kubosh’s outlandish allegation seems contrived more to attract press attention than to express a serious concern.

Further, the release of these records regarding a matter of immense public interest will increase public understanding and awareness of the behind-the-scenes efforts to oppose the Houston Equal Rights Ordinance (HERO). It is a hallmark of a democratic society that elected officials are held accountable for their actions. If Councilmen Kubosh and Martin find that principle objectionable, they should consider a new line of work.

In 2010, when anti-gay rights advocates in Washington State attempted to block disclosure of signatories to a petition to force a repeal of a domestic partnership law, no less a conservative than Justice Antonin Scalia wrote: “There are laws against threats and intimidation; and harsh criticism, short of unlawful action, is a price our people have traditionally been willing to pay for self-governance.” Justice Scalia continued, “Requiring people to stand up in public for their political acts fosters civic courage, without which democracy is doomed.”

Daniel Stevens, deputy director of CfA, stated, “Unfortunately, Councilmen Michael Kubosh and Dave Martin do not appear to possess the level of courage both CfA and Justice Scalia expect from our elected representatives.”

Campaign for Accountability is a nonpartisan, nonprofit watchdog organization that uses research, litigation, and aggressive communications to expose misconduct and malfeasance in public life and hold those who act at the expense of the public good accountable for their actions.