Support Grows in Ky. for Equality

A coalition of Kentucky human rights groups is reporting that 83% of respondents to a recent survey voiced support for gay and lesbian protections in housing, public accommodations, and the workplace.

The groups, which conducted the survey, say only 65% supported those protections in 2004.

"The survey results confirm what we hear in talking to our neighbors throughout the state -- Kentuckians want to be fair, but many have no idea that employers can legally fire people for being gay or transgender or deny them housing or service in a restaurant, " noted Michael Aldridge, executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Kentucky.

The survey coincides with a new public outreach campaign (pictured) aimed at increasing acceptance of LGBT people.

In November, Lexington, Ky., elected Jim Gray as the city's first openly gay mayor.