A decision by Republican Gov. Sam Brownback to narrow an anti-discrimination policy for Kansas government workers has prompted a Democratic lawmaker to introduce a bill aimed at protecting gays and lesbians.

Democratic state Rep. John Carmichael of Wichita on Tuesday asked the Kansas House Judiciary Committee to sponsor a measure to bar discrimination in housing and employment based on sexual orientation and gender identity. The committee agreed to do so.

Carmichael’s bill would expand the state’s existing anti-discrimination act, which does not specifically cover gays, lesbians and transgendered residents.

He said he acted in response to Brownback’s decision to rescind a previous Democratic governor’s executive order barring such discrimination in state government hiring and employment.

House Minority Leader and Kansas City Democrat Tom Burroughs also condemned Brownback’s action.