BISMARCK, N.D. (KFGO-AM) North Dakota's Senate has approved a bill to ban discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity.
The Senate voted 25-22 on Tuesday to send the legislation to the state House.
North Dakota law already outlaws discrimination based on such things as race, age, disability and political affiliation. The measure would add prohibitions against discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity.
The bill has exemptions for religious organizations.
Supporters say the legislation protects gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender residents from being fired from jobs or denied public accommodations.
Opponents say there is no evidence of that happening in North Dakota.
Twenty-one states have similar laws outlawing discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation.
Similar legislation in North Dakota failed in two previous sessions.