Kokomo council votes to approve LGBT protections

KOKOMO, Ind. (AP) - Kokomo's Common Council has voted to approve a measure banning discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.

The ordinance was approved in a 5-4 vote Monday by the council, after it gave its initial approval last week. The Kokomo Tribune (http://bit.ly/1SOIuvf ) reports the measure will go to Mayor Greg Goodnight, who urged its passage, for final approval.

Council member Steve Whikehart, who voted for the ordinance, said it's "paramount" to send a message that "Kokomo is a welcome and inclusive community."

Other Indiana cities, including Carmel and Columbus, have adopted similar protections.

The council also voted to ban discrimination based on marital status, age or veteran status. The city ordinance covers race, religion, color, sex, familial status, disability, national origin and ancestry.

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Information from: Kokomo Tribune, http://www.ktonline.com