CARMEL, Ind. (AP) — City leaders in the Indianapolis suburb of Carmel are backing a proposal to expand anti-discrimination protections to include sexual orientation and gender identity.

Republican Mayor Jim Brainard announced the proposed ordinance on Monday. Six of Carmel’s seven city council members are sponsoring the ordinance, which the council is expected to take up Aug. 17.

Brainard tells The Indianapolis Star (http://indy.st/1L1LnG2 ) he believes the Republican-dominated Legislature should extend such protections statewide and that no one should face discrimination.

Council President Rick Sharp says Carmel should set a tone of embracing diversity following the national outcry this spring over the state’s religious objections law, which critics maintained was anti-gay.

Some other Indiana cities are considering such proposals, although the mayors of Elkhart and Goshen recently withdrew their measures following campaigns by opponents.