Lawmakers Talk About Discrimination Bill

We are hearing from both sides in the legislative battle over sexual orientation discrimination in North Dakota. The House voted to defeat the bill Thursday after the Senate approved the measure in February.

The bill would have added sexual orientation to the list of individuals that are protected against discrimination. Those that oppose the bill say that it could lead to unnecessary legal action.

“It would create grounds for individuals to sue and for the state to take legal action against businesses or individuals who refuse public accommodations based on gender identity or perceived gender identity,” says North Dakota State Rep. Christopher Olson.

But supporters of the bill are optimistic.

“The vast majority of young individuals in North Dakota and nationwide support this. And so it’s not a matter of if but when we’re going to see non-discrimination and protection for the LGBT community because we don’t think it’s a North Dakota value to disenfranchise anyone,” says North Dakota State Rep. Thomas Beadle.

It is the third time lawmakers defeated the bill. Beadle says it may be back in the legislature as soon as the next session.