Indiana Democratic leader vows gay rights debate will continue

Indianapolis (AP) — The top Democrat in the Indiana House is vowing the gay rights debate isn't over during the legislative session, even though an anti-discrimination bill was abandoned this week in the Republican-dominated Senate.

House Minority Leader Scott Pelath said Thursday that Democrats will use committee meetings and floor debate to force discussions about civil rights protections for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people.

Democrats are a minority in both legislative chambers and have little power. But Pelath says Democrats will push the issue because most Indiana residents support LGBT rights and Republicans shouldn't be let "off the hook."

GOP Senate leaders killed a bill Wednesday that would have extended discrimination protections to lesbians, gays and bisexuals, but not transgender people. That effectively ended the possibility of a law passing this year.

By Brian Slodysko, Associated Press. Copyright 2016 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

The Gayly – February 4, 2016 @ 1:30 p.m.