HARRISBURG — Gov. Tom Corbett said Wednesday that he would be willing to sign legislation to outlaw discrimination based on someone’s sexual orientation or gender identity, but he was unprepared to say what he will do, if anything, to try to dislodge such bills that have thus far languished in the Republican-controlled Legislature.

Corbett’s statement won applause from the bill’s sponsors and a leading gay rights group.

Corbett said he became aware in the last few months that federal law did not cover discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity.

“I had a presumption that it did. I believe it should, I don’t think there should be discrimination,” Corbett told reporters after a news conference at which he signed bills to overhaul the state’s laws on child abuse.

Corbett, a Republican who is seeking a second term in next year’s election, made clear that he is not changing his support for a Pennsylvania law that bans recognition of same-sex marriage, the only northeastern state to do so.

The gay rights group, Harrisburg-based Equality PA, lauded Corbett for “calling out discrimination in all its forms.”

Pennsylvania law prohibits discrimination in employment, housing, and public accommodation based on race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, gender, education status or disability.

Bills in the Republican-controlled Pennsylvania state House and Senate would add sexual orientation and gender identity to the list.