INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — A large coalition of Indiana businesses is calling on Republican Gov. Mike Pence and the GOP-controlled Legislature to put LGBT civil rights protections into state law.

Indiana Competes is comprised of more than 150 large and small businesses including Eli Lilly and Co., Cummins, AT&T and Anthem.

Those affiliated with the group said Wednesday that failing to pass such protections for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered people would hurt the state's economy.

They say Indiana lacks natural attributes like mountains or ocean shores that other states use to lure talented workers. As a result, they say they want Indiana to be known as a welcoming place.

A proposal from Senate Republicans would grant such protections while also carving out religious exemptions.

Pence hasn't said whether he supports the proposal.