Bills Would Ban Discrimination Based On Sexual Orientation

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TALLAHASSEE (CBSMiami/NSF) - Two South Florida lawmakers have renewed an effort to change state laws to prevent discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.

Sen. Joseph Abruzzo, D-Boynton Beach, and Rep. Holly Raschein, R-Key Largo, filed similar bills that will be considered during the 2016 legislative session.

The proposals would expand laws that bar discrimination based on factors such as race, religion, sex and national origin in areas like public accommodations, jobs and housing.

The Abruzzo and Raschein bills would extend the laws to also apply to people based on sexual orientation and gender identity or expression.

A coalition known as "Florida Businesses for a Competitive Workforce," which includes major corporations and business groups, has backed the effort. But past attempts to pass such a measure have failed, with bills dying in House and Senate committees.

The News Service of Florida contributed to this report.