TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A decision by Republican Governor Sam Brownback to narrow an anti-discrimination policy for Kansas government workers has prompted a Democratic lawmaker to introduce a bill aimed at protecting gays and lesbians. Democratic Representative John Carmichael of Wichita asked the House Judiciary Committee to sponsor a measure to bar discrimination in housing and employment based on sexual orientation and gender identity. The committee agreed to do so. Carmichael's bill would expand the state's existing anti-discrimination act, which does not specifically cover gays, lesbians and transgendered residents. He said he acted in response to Brownback's decision to rescind a previous Democratic governor's executive order barring such discrimination in state government hiring and employment. House Minority Leader and Kansas City Democrat Tom Burroughs also condemned Brownback's action.
