A bipartisan group of Arizona lawmakers are again pushing a proposal banning discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity.
The effort backed by Republican Sen. Kate Brophy McGee and Democratic Rep. Daniel Hernandez comes despite repeated failures to even get a hearing because of opposition from social conservatives in the Legislature.
The lawmakers were joined at a Capitol news conference by business and religious leaders who said it was needed to ensure equality and keep businesses competitive.
The proposal faces strong opposition from the Center for Arizona Policy. House Speaker Rusty Bowers said he doesn't supported the expanded protections.