The bill would have extended civil rights to gay, lesbian and bisexual - but not transgender - Hoosiers.

The LGBT (minus T) civil rights bill died in the State Senate without a vote Tuesday.

Freedom Indiana, a leading LGBT activist group, responded to the news on Twitter, saying: "SHAMEFUL: #SB344 will not be heard on the Senate floor. Inaction is NOT a solution-this is a grave disappointment. "

#SB344 was a deeply flawed bill—& we were working to fix it. But doing absolutely nothing? That's not a solution to a very real problem. — Freedom Indiana (@freedom_indiana) February 2, 2016

The decision was a reversal of position after Senate President Pro Tem David Long, R-Fort Wayne, indicated late last week SB 344 would be taken up by the full chamber even if there wasn't enough support for it to pass.

After Tuesday's decision, Sen. Long told the media, "I suspect we will have this [LGBT rights] discussion again next year. I want to have it again next year....I think this discussion has moved the issue forward."

The bill would have extended civil rights to gay, lesbian and bisexual - but not transgender - Hoosiers. SB 344 offered protections based on sexual orientation, but only ordered a legislative study committee regarding transgender issues. It would have allowed exemptions for churches and some small businesses.

Drew Anderson, communications director for the Indiana Democratic Party, issued a written statement in response, saying:

"It's baffling how after a $250 million economic panic and the state on the brink of losing its 'Hoosier Hospitality' reputation, Mike Pence and Statehouse Republicans still cannot put their out-of-touch ideology aside and do the right thing for the state of Indiana. Mike Pence and Republicans say they 'abhor discrimination' - but by doing nothing, they are actively promoting it. This negligence will only continue the long-term effects Indiana has suffered under Mike Pence's RFRA. Hoosiers deserve a governor who won't put his personal ideology ahead of the state's overall well-being. That person is John Gregg - who supports across the board protections for LGBT Hoosiers. As it stands today, Mike Pence and Statehouse Republicans have embarrassed Indiana once again."

Long indicated there wasn't enough room for compromise this year. LGBT advocates were upset because transgendered Hoosiers were not included in SB 344 while religious freedom advocates felt they were not given enough protections. He thanked Sen. Travis Holdman, R-Markle, for authoring the bill and for his leadership in achieving the advances that were able to be made.

"He took a beating from all sides in trying to do this and, let me say, first and foremost, how unfair that was. This is a very good man, a strong Christian and I'm proud to serve with him and I hope you all are too.



"This effort was unfortunately hampered by well-organized extreme messaging from groups representing both sides of this discussion, many of them from out of state. Neither of those sides were truly seeking a solution and you can read some of the comments now, since word has gotten out early that this was likely to happen.



"'My way or the highway' doesn't work in the legislative process. One way or no way means nothing happens. And as a result, nothing is happening today."

"While my legislation is not advancing this session, the underlying issue is not going away," Sen. Holdman said in a statement explaining what happened. "I'm hopeful that those on all sides of the debate can eventually come together and reach compromise. If we fail to do that, there is a very real possibility that the courts will do it for us, and I don't think that is in the best interest of the state - either for the protection of our friends in the LGBT community, or our friends who seek to protect religious liberty."

"This was an important bill. The most important bill of the session," said Sen. Tim Lanane, D-Anderson. "It needed to be passed to clearly deal with the question that in Indiana, we are not a state that discriminates. So we blew that opportunity and I'm very sorry that was the case. This issue will not be going away."

"I honestly feel very sick to my stomach because this is my family," said LGBT supporter Melissa Bickel. "This isn't the Indiana that I know. The people in our life, they don't want this. They want equal protection for all citizens of Indiana."

"Is this a call for action at the voting booth?" added Sen. Lanane. "It will be a public issue. It is a matter that should be debated in the upcoming election, that we failed to act. I think it is proper for people to pose the question of, 'When will we have leadership that will act'."

"Indianapolis has extended civil rights protections to LGBT residents and visitors for more than a decade, and our community has only been strengthened by welcoming all," Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett said in a written statement. "By refusing to take a step forward in the march toward equality this year, the General Assembly risks Indiana falling even more behind."

A separate Senate bill to establish transgender civil rights never made it out of committee because it was considered too contentious.

Indiana Chamber of Commerce President said in a written statement:

"Compromise should not be viewed as a four-letter word. Extremely passionate advocates and opponents on this issue have deemed compromise of any kind a bad outcome - when compromise is typically how things get done in the Legislature.



"It's frustrating and disappointing that the Senate was unable to move this critical issue forward. Senators Holdman and Long deserve credit for their efforts, but the bottom line is that this inaction - coupled with the RFRA black eye last spring -- leaves Indiana at a disadvantage in the recruitment, attraction and retention of talented individuals.



"All of our state leaders must find a way to work together to craft a solution; the Indiana Chamber will continue to advocate for expanded civil rights protections."

Indiana Competes, a pro-LGBT business coalition, agreed, saying:

"The Hoosier business community is deeply disappointed by the actions of the Indiana Senate today. From the outset, companies large and small organized together to work with lawmakers to find a sensible solution that provides equal protections for LGBT Hoosiers and tells the true story about the negative effects of RFRA on our state's economy. Indiana's economic competitiveness and the Hoosier brand have potentially been compromised again. Failure to continue working toward a remedy casts doubt on the sincerity of the Senate's effort.



"SB 344 was a flawed bill, but it generated the most substantive conversation Indiana has seen regarding anti-discrimination legislation for the LGBT community.



"This issue will not disappear. The economic damage from RFRA still persists as equality plays a critical role in our economic success. A clear majority of Hoosiers support robust protections from discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. Business leaders remain committed to passing such protections in this legislative session and call loudly for leadership in the Statehouse to seriously address the issue."

John Gregg, Democratic candidate for governor, released a statement saying, "Never has the intolerance of so few, hurt the reputation of so many. The failure of Governor Pence to provide any leadership to address the crisis he created is inexcusable. Until we update Indiana's civil rights statute our economy and reputation will continue to suffer. I remain committed to adding four words and a comma to our civil rights code so, together, all Hoosiers can move forward."

Meanwhile, a spokesperson for Gov. Mike Pence said, "Governor Pence respects the outcome of the legislative process and appreciates the civility with which this issue was debated. In the remaining days of the session, the governor looks forward to working with members of the General Assembly to strengthen our economy, roads, schools and health care."

Wednesday is the deadline for all bills to be heard by their original chamber. In other words, all Senate bills not heard and passed by the full Senate by tomorrow's adjournment will automatically die.

Micah Clark with the American Family Association told WTHR's Kevin Rader on the phone that the bill would have died later anyway for lack of support. He said there are more important issues to deal with and no need for SB 344. Then he added, "It's always better to win without a fight."