SAN ANTONIO – Oliver Hill said having lived through the Jim Crow era, he was denied the use of public restrooms because of his skin color. Now, he’s the president of the local chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People and is speaking out against Texas Senate Bill 6, a proposed bill that bars transgender people from using restrooms that match their gender identity.
“This is just starting it all over again to a different people,” Hill said, referring to Senate Bill 6.
Leon W. Russell, national NAACP chairman, wrote in a statement, “Not since the days of Jim Crow have we seen such obvious attempts to cast our fellow citizens into second class citizenship status by using hate inspired legislation.”
“Texas Senate Bill 6 is sadly an example of such odious efforts. The NACCP opposes this draconian legislation where it is put forward,” Russell said.
Russell sent his statement to Visit San Antonio, formerly known as the San Antonio Convention and Visitors Bureau.
The nation’s oldest and largest nonpartisan civil rights organization is reconsidering the announcement it made in January about holding its 2018 national convention in San Antonio, with 10,000 people expected to attend.
Hill said having it in San Antonio would have special significance because 2018 will be the local chapter’s centennial, and it would be the national organization’s first convention in San Antonio.
But Hill said Senate Bill 6 is telling the NAACP that “Texas is completely off track, trying to force a bill like this down people’s throats.”
The NAACP is one of nine groups (see letters below) now having second thoughts about coming to San Antonio, Visit SA spokesman Richard Oliver said. He said if they go elsewhere, it would mean a potential loss of $30 million in revenue for the local hospitality industry.
Two other organizations have already canceled their plans, which is an estimated loss of $2.75 million, Oliver said. He said the NAACP event is expected to generate $10 million.
Oliver said what’s still unknown is how many other conventions have never contacted San Antonio or Texas because of the controversy since they have other options.
Although money lost in tourist revenue would be in the millions, Hill said, “You have to look at what the bill is doing to people.”
Hill said he believes the only reason why the NAACP would not change its plans if Senate Bill 6 becomes law would be “the timing wasn’t the best that we could change to another venue.” He said the organization will continue to speak out against discrimination and protect equal rights.
Visit San Antonio leaders warn state Senate committee of SB 6 impact
NASPA letter to Visit San Antonio
American Library Association letter to Visit San Antonio
American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages letter to Visit San Antonio