After a lengthy and spirited public debate, the Lafayette City Council voted unanimously Tuesday night to approve an amendment adding gender identity protections to the city's human relations ordinance.

The FDA still requires that any man giving blood hasn't been sexually active with another man for 12 months prior to the donation date.

Munster, Kokomo, Carmel and Columbus are among communities adopting similar protections since last year's uproar over Indiana's religious objections law.

One of the nation's largest LGBT community celebrations takes place in Indianapolis in two weeks. WFYI's Jill Ditmire invited the organizers of the Circle City Indy Pride Festival to the studios to talk more about the new events designed to make sure all are welcome.

Indiana Rep. Luke Messer, R-6th District, introduced federal legislation Wednesday that would block the Obama administration directive. But across Indiana, lawmakers search for answers of their own.

The White House released guidance to public schools saying they must allow transgender students to use bathrooms that match their gender identity.

The ordinance would also bar discrimination based on race, religion, color, sex, disability, national origin, ancestry, age, veteran status and familial status.

The vast majority of House Republicans dismissed a Democratic amendment Thursday that would've barred employment discrimination against the LGBT community.

With little support from those outside the Statehouse, and what seems to be weak support inside the building, a bill that aims to balance LGBT rights and religious freedom faces an uncertain fate.

A Senate committee Wednesday approved a bill that aims to balance protections for gay, lesbian and bisexual Hoosiers and people faith. But, those testifying in complete support of the measure were few and far between.