Pence says he will soon reveal position on LGBT protections

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Indiana Gov. Mike Pence says that he will soon reveal publicly where he stands in the ongoing debate over whether LGBT civil rights protections should be added to state law.

The Republican governor for months avoided taking a public position on the matter. But on Thursday Pence told reporters he will make his views known "early in the year."

Religious conservatives and supporters of gay rights have for months prepared for a bitter debate when the Legislature meets in January.

Currently Indiana doesn't offer statewide protections to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people prohibiting discrimination in housing, employment and public accommodation.

The issue has dogged lawmakers since uproar last spring over the state's religious objections law, which critics worried would sanction discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people.

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The Gayly - 12/17/2015 @ 2:42 p.m. CST