Pa. Governor Backs Gay Rights Bill on Discrimination

A leading gay rights group in Pennsylvania is commending Gov. Tom Corbett for saying he supports legislation to outlaw discrimination based on someone's sexual orientation or gender identity.

Equality PA said Wednesday that it thanks Corbett for "calling out discrimination in all its forms."

Bills currently languishing in the Republican-controlled Pennsylvania state House and Senate would prohibit such discrimination in employment, housing, and public accommodation.

State law currently prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, sex, education status, handicap or disability.

Corbett, a Republican who is seeking a second term next year, told the Philadelphia Inquirer on Tuesday (http://bit.ly/1eohTm7 ) that he's supporting the bill.

The Inquirer says 23 states, including every northeastern state, and 33 Pennsylvania municipalities have nondiscrimination laws that cover sexual orientation and gender identity.