The North Dakota state senate passed a bill Thursday that would ban discrimination against LGBT people in housing, employment, and local government services.
"The people affected by this legislation are our sons and daughters, brothers and sisters," Sen. Tom Fiebiger, a bill cosponsor, said in a Human Rights Campaign press release. "They are the folks we work with and sit next to in the pews on Sundays. They are our friends and family. They are the people we love."
The bill, which passed in the senate by a 27-19 vote, will now go on to the state house of representatives. It was introduced January 19 by senators Fielbiger, JoNell Bakke, and John Warner. The state currently protects citizens against discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, and status of public assistance. This bill would add protections against discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
"Particularly in these tough economic times, no person should have to face the added worry of experiencing discrimination simply because of who they are," said HRC president Joe Solmonese. "This vote in the North Dakota state senate gives meaning to the principle that workers, housing and credit applicants, and people seeking public services should be evaluated based on their own abilities and merits -- not based on their gender identity or sexual orientation." (Michelle Garcia, Advocate.com)
