Backers and opponents of LGBT rights descend on Statehouse

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) - Supporters and opponents of expanding LGBT rights in Indiana have descended on the Statehouse, with both sides citing Christian beliefs as justification for their positions.

The demonstrators gathered Tuesday at the Statehouse as lawmakers prepared to hold their Organization Day meetings.

Members of Freedom Indiana dropped off 5,000 letters Tuesday morning addressed to lawmakers. Member of the group that supports expanded LGBT rights prayed for lawmakers to expand rights for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered people before turning the letters in.

More than 200 religious conservatives later held a rally in a Statehouse atrium. They prayed for lawmakers to not expand LGBT rights, saying those could be used to force Christian businesses to serve gay people. One pastor vowed to vote out lawmakers who support expanded LGBT rights.