Texas senators have begun considering a bill that would ban discrimination against homosexuals and transgender people in the workplace.
Retired Staff Sgt. Eric Alva was the first Purple Heart recipient in the Iraq War, but he told lawmakers that Texas law allows employers to discriminate against him because he is also gay.
Alva voiced his support Wednesday for a bill that would make it illegal for employers to discriminate against someone because of their sexual orientation or gender identity. San Antonio Democratic Sen. Leticia Van de Putte's proposal would allow workers to report discrimination to the Texas Workforce Commission, but it would not allow workers to file civil lawsuits.
Business groups and Christian conservative activists registered their opposition to the bill but did not testify.
Copyright 2013 The Associated Press.