Indianapolis bans
discrimination against gays

The Indianapolis city council on Monday night narrowly approved a measure banning discrimination against gay, lesbian, and transgender people in housing, employment, and public accommodations. After the same measure failed last April on an 18-11 vote, three Democrats and one Republican changed course, resulting in a 15-14 vote to enact the pro-gay protections. A controversial proposal about merging the city's police force also passed Monday after failing earlier this year, prompting opponents of both measures to accuse council members of vote trading.

Hailing the vote as a symbolic victory, the gay rights group Human Rights Campaign and the state gay organization Indiana Equality didn't question the council members' motives. "Indianapolis is another great example of a city in the middle of America that is moving the country closer to equality and fairness for all Americans," said HRC president Joe Solmonese.

City and state government hiring policies already include such protections for gays, but the new measure will apply to any business with six or more employees, excluding religious institutions and certain nonprofits. (Advocate.com)