TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Democrats in the Florida Senate say the state needs new anti-discrimination laws to protect LGBT people, former felons and pregnant women.

The senators also told a Tallahassee press conference Thursday that they want mandatory paid sick leave for workers.

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The majority Republicans have refused to pass several of the measures, but Sen. Arthenia Joyner of Tampa said Democrats will keep trying.

Sen. Joe Abruzzo of Boynton Beach said a bill adding sexual orientation and gender identity to current anti-discrimination laws is backed by some top employers including Walt Disney World, Florida Blue and CSX railway.

The Republicans have a sizeable majority in both houses of the Florida Legislature.

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