Missoula Passes Nondiscrimination Law

In a first for a Montana town, the Missoula City Council approved an ordinance early Tuesday morning that protects people from discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.

When the measure passed at 1:45 A.M., the room erupted into applause and a standing ovation for council members, according to the Missoulian.

"In front of citizens who sat through a nearly seven-hour meeting, the council voted 10-2 in favor of the measure -- which protects Missoula residents from housing and employment discrimination based on 'actual or perceived ... sexual orientation, gender identity or expression,'" reports the Missoulian.

The ordinance will take effect in 30 days. NECI 13 presents a video report.