Gay Rights Bill Gets Hearing From Ky. House Panel

An ex-police officer who says he was fired because of his sexual orientation has urged Kentucky lawmakers to pass an anti-discrimination bill aimed at protecting gays.

Former police Sgt. Kile Nave voiced support Wednesday for a measure that would prohibit discrimination against gays in employment, housing and public accommodations. Nave told the House Judiciary Committee that he's a Christian, a Republican, a gun owner and gay.

He says he deserved to be protected against discrimination like everyone else.

The committee didn't vote on the measure, but gay rights advocates say that getting a chance to present the bill to a panel was historic.

The bill is similar to local ordinances in a half-dozen Kentucky cities.

The measure would exempt businesses with fewer than eight employees.