HARRISBURG -- A state agency is giving Rep. Dan Frankel support for his legislation to ban discrimination against gays, lesbians and transgender people in jobs, housing, schools and public accommodations.

State Human Relations Commission Chairman Stephen A. Glassman said his panel is strongly recommending that the Legislature approve the Squirrel Hill Democrat's measure, House Bill 300, which he introduced last week. The proposal died whenitwasn'tbrought upfor a vote in the last legislative session.

"Ensuring that Pennsylvanians are free from discrimination is crucial, especially in difficult economic times,'' Mr. Glassman said in a statement.

"Discrimination in employment, housing, public accommodations and education is illegal in Pennsylvania, but lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people are currently excluded from these protections."

The state Human Relations Act now bans bias based on race, color, religious creed, national origin, ancestry, age, sex and disabilities.

So far the bill has support from 79 co-sponsors of both parties in the House. It would need at least 102 votes to pass, and then at least 26 votes in the Senate.