Introduced February 17, 2026
HB653
Log in to followAN ACT relating to civil rights.
Repeal and reenact KRS 344.010 to define terms; amend KRS 344.020, relating to the purpose of the Kentucky's civil rights chapter, to prohibit discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity; amend KRS 344.025, 344.040, 344.050, 344.060, 344.070, and 344.080, relating to prohibited discrimination in various labor and employment practices, to include discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity; amend KRS 210.033, 344.030, 344.100 and 344.110 to conform; amend KRS…
Plain-language summary
This bill would add sexual orientation and gender identity as protected characteristics under Kentucky's civil rights law. It would make it illegal to discriminate against someone on those bases in employment, housing, public accommodations, insurance, and credit transactions. Currently, Kentucky's state civil rights law does not include these protections. Who it may affect: LGBTQ+ Kentuckians, employers, landlords, lenders, insurers, and businesses open to the public.
Open official bill text (PDF)·Report a problem with the summary
Legislative History
Primary Sponsor
Mary Marzian
Representative · House District 041
Co-sponsors (13)
Lisa Willner
Representative · House District 035
Tina Bojanowski
Representative · House District 032
George Brown
Representative · House District 077
Adrielle Camuel
Representative · House District 093
Beverly Chester-Burton
Representative · House District 044
Anne Donworth
Representative · House District 076
Alan Gentry
Representative · House District 046
Erika Hancock
Representative · House District 057
Nima Kulkarni
Representative · House District 040
Matthew Lehman
Representative · House District 067
Rachel Roarx
Representative · House District 038
Sarah Stalker
Representative · House District 034
Joshua Watkins
Representative · House District 042
Bill Text Versions
Something wrong on this page? Tell us