SB 653 - This act prohibits discrimination based upon a person's sexual orientation or gender identity. Such discrimination includes unlawful housing practices, denial of loans or other financial assistance, denial of membership into an organization relating to the selling or renting of dwellings, unlawful employment practices, and denial of the right to use public accommodations. This act defines "sexual orientation" as male or female heterosexuality, homosexuality, or bisexuality by inclination, practice, identity or expression. The term "gender identity" is defined as the gender-related identity, appearance, or mannerisms, or other gender-related characteristics of an individual, with or without regard to the individual's designed sex at birth. This act is identical to HB 2279 (2016), HB 2319 (2016), SB 237 (2015), SB 962 (2014), SB 96 (2013) and SB 798 (2012), substantially similar to HB 1924 (2016), HB 2414 (2016), and HB 2478 (2016) and similar to HB 407 (2015), SB 757 (2014), SS/HCS/HB 320 (2013), SB 239 (2011), SB 626 (2010), SB 109 (2009), SB 824 (2008), and SB 266 (2007). SCOTT SVAGERA