A discrimination dispute between the Gay and Lesbian Services Organization of Lexington and T-shirt printer Hands On Originals has taken another step toward a public hearing.

The two sides were not successful in resolving the issue during a conciliation meeting held last week, said Raymond Sexton, the executive director of the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Human Rights Commission.

The dispute was triggered by the company's refusal last year to print T-shirts for the annual gay pride festival organized by the GLSO.

The commission found the company violated the city's fairness ordinance, part of which prohibits businesses open to the public from discriminating against people based on sexual orientation.

The next step will be for the commission's board to vote at its Feb. 25 meeting on whether to proceed with a public hearing, Sexton said. If approved, the commission's attorney would represent the GLSO in the public hearing, which is held before an independent hearing examiner, typically a local attorney.

Scott Sloan: (859) 231-1447. Twitter: @HeraldLeaderBiz