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MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) — An Alabama House committee has killed a bill that would ban discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity.
The House Judiciary Committee canceled a vote that had been scheduled on the bill, which would have protected individuals from discrimination in areas including employment and housing.
Republican state Rep. David Faulkner asked the committee to cancel the vote because of what he described as constitutional law concerns.
The bill's sponsor, Democratic state Rep. Christopher England, said Alabama should protect people from discrimination based on their gender identity and sexual orientation.
Democratic state Rep. Patricia Todd, who is gay, said employment discrimination exists and she's glad lawmakers are beginning to address it.
Attorney Eric Johnston said the bill would have discriminated against members of religious groups that oppose homosexuality.
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