ELKHART, Ind. (AP) — Elkhart’s mayor has asked city council members to withdraw his proposed ordinance seeking anti-discrimination protections for gays, lesbians and others after it sparked strong local opposition.

Mayor Dick Moore sent a letter Monday to council members saying he’s asked city staff instead to pursue an overhaul of the northern Indiana city’s human relations ordinance. The Democrat says he wants that overhaul to incorporate civil protections for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community.

Councilman Dave Henke tells The Elkhart Truth he questions whether Moore’s proposed ordinance could pass the nine-member council.

He says conservative lobbyist Eric Miller of Advance America has mounted a telephone and email campaign against the proposal that has generated 10 to 12 calls a day to the council. He calls that “way over the top.”