Lawmakers to discuss LGBT civil rights protections

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) – A committee of lawmakers is set to meet at the statehouse Tuesday to discuss civil rights protections for the LGBT community.

Nearly 20 lawmakers are scheduled to meet inside the statehouse at 9 a.m. According to the meeting agenda, the committee will discuss civil rights issues related to gender identity and sexual orientation.

Last year, lawmakers could not come to an agreement on statewide protections for the LGBT community.

In 2015, the Religious Freedom Restoration Act sparked national controversy. Supporters said the law was about religious freedom, while opponents argued it allowed discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity.

After RFRA, several local communities passed anti-discrimination laws protecting LGBT Hoosiers, but many people and advocacy groups want to see a state law.

Advocacy group, Freedom Indiana, is encouraging people to show up at the statehouse for the meeting.