The Senate has narrowly passed a bill to outlaw discrimination based on a person’s sexual orientation.
The bill was designed to protect the LGBT community.
It came out of the Senate Judiciary Committee with a “do not pass” recommendation.
"The majority (of the committee) did not accept the idea that this is a hostile community or state for gay men and gay women," said Sen. David Hogue (R-Minot), the committee chairman. "We really did not see a problem."
"The people this legislation is designed to protect from losing their jobs or being evicted from their homes because they are gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender, are our children," said the bill's sponsor, Sen. Carolyn Nelson (D-Fargo). "They're folks we work with, and worshippers we sit with in pews on Sunday. They are our friends and families. They are people that we love."
"Plain and simple, this bill is about making a change in policy," said Sen. Erin Oban (D-Bismarck). "You don't have to have a change of heart or mind. Either we believe it's okay to fire people from their jobs or kick them out of their apartments for who they are, or we don't."
The bill passed on a 25 to 22 vote. It will now go to the House.