Oesterle Says 'No Room' To Compromise On LGBT Rights

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — The former CEO of Angie's List says there's "no room to compromise" when it comes to enshrining civil rights for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered people into Indiana law.

Bill Oesterle, who is heading up a new tech company coalition pushing for the change, said Monday that only full civil rights protections will show Indiana doesn't support discrimination.

His coalition, Tech for Equality, formed following a national uproar when lawmakers and Republican Gov. Mike Pence approved a religious objections law last spring. Opponents said the law could sanction discrimination against LGBT people, leading lawmakers to make changes.

Thirty Indiana tech companies have signed on to Oesterle's effort, including Salesforce, Collina Ventures and Angie's List.

Oesterle, a Republican, says LGBT protections are crucial for tech firms to recruit talented workers.