Senate expected to debate changes to gay rights bill

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) – The Indiana Senate is expected to debate proposed changes to a bill that would extend civil rights protections for lesbians, gays and bisexuals – but not transgender people.

State senators face a Wednesday deadline for approving bills and sending them to the House. The Senate traditionally debates changes to bills the day before they take a final vote.

The current measure has spurred criticism from Democrats and LGBT rights activists who say it does not go far enough because it leaves out transgender people. Religious conservatives who oppose the bill argue it would force people to provide services for same-sex marriages even if they have religious objections.

The measure would also allow cities such as Indianapolis to keep their broader LGBT civil rights. New ordinances wouldn’t be allowed.