BEREA, Ky. (AP) -- The Berea City Council has rejected an ordinance that would have banned discrimination based on sexual orientation.

Media reports say the proposal failed on a 5-3 vote Tuesday night in the Kentucky town in the Appalachian foothills.


The proposal would have prohibited discrimination against gay, lesbian and transgender people in housing, employment and public accommodation.

Councilwoman Violet Farmer, who opposed the measure, said she feared expensive legal battles and questioned the need for "another protected class."

If the measure had passed, Berea would have become the eighth Kentucky city to adopt a fairness ordinance, joining Danville, Frankfort, Lexington, Louisville, Morehead, Covington and Vicco in eastern Kentucky.