Senate Democrats draft bill to add LGBT protections to law

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) - The leader of Indiana's Senate Democrats says his caucus will sponsor a bill next legislative session that would add civil rights protections into Indiana law for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people.

Senate Minority Leader Tim Lanane (LAN'-in) of Anderson said Tuesday the draft legislation would add the phrases "sexual orientation" and "gender identity" to Indiana's existing civil rights act.

Lanane says making those changes will ensure that all Indiana residents, including members of LGBT communities, are protected against discrimination under state law.

He says "there's no room for short cuts or half measures, or exceptions" in the wake of a national uproar last spring after Republican Gov. Mike Pence signed a religious objections law passed by the Republican-dominated Legislature. Critics said that law could lead to LGBT discrimination.