Ohio lawmakers try again with gay-rights bill

COLUMBUS (AP) — A bipartisan group of Ohio lawmakers is taking another shot this year at outlawing discrimination based on sexual orientation.

The proposed package of legislation is nearly identical to previous efforts. It would add anti-discrimination protection, including housing and wages. The Columbus Dispatch reports that bills in the House and Senate are being proposed by two Republicans and two Democrats.

At least four similar bills have failed in the past in Ohio, but supporters say there are signs that attitudes are shifting.

The last major attempt, in 2009, came close when the bill passed the Democratic-controlled House but died in the Republican-led Senate.

GOP state Sen. Frank LaRose, a sponsor of one of the bills, said he thinks a younger generation of Republicans may be open to it.