InForum.com – By: Amy Dalrymple
The North Dakota Senate voted 27-19 on Wednesday in support of a bill that adds gays, lesbians, bisexuals and transgender individuals to the protected classes in the state Human Rights Act.
Senate Bill 2278 prohibits discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation in housing, employment, credit transaction and use of public accommodation.
Sen. Tom Fiebiger, D-Fargo, the prime sponsor of the proposal, said the bill affects about 4 to 5 percent of North Dakota residents, according to testimony.