Neb. lawmaker introduces anti-discrimination bill

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) -- A Nebraska lawmaker has introduced a bill that would prohibit employers from discriminating against potential workers based on their sexual orientation.

Sen. Danielle Conrad of Lincoln proposed a measure Tuesday that would prohibit employers from considering orientation when hiring, firing, promoting or managing workers.

Conrad says now is the right time to revisit employment discrimination. She says she was inspired by recent conversations over gay-rights ordinances in Omaha, Lincoln and other parts of the country.

Lincoln and Omaha recently considered gay-rights ordinances, which faced opposition from social conservatives. Omaha passed an ordinance extending legal protections to gay and transgender residents last year. Lincoln city officials approved a similar measure, but opponents launched a successful petition drive to force a public vote on the issue later this year.