Discrimination Bill Passes Senate

The state Senate has approved a bill to ban discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity.

The vote was close at 25-22.

The legislation is now headed 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.