The state House is gearing up for a fight over a bill that would ban discrimination against gays, lesbians and the transgendered.

And even as its architect scrambles to build support among skeptical lawmakers, opponents are readying a mountain of amendments they hope will sink the proposal.

Caught in the middle are Pennsylvania's gay and lesbian residents, who say they're just looking for the same protections as everyone else.

''I have friends who are moving to places like Colorado'' because they've heard people there are more progressive, said Alex Reber, 23, who is gay and lives with his partner in Harrisburg.