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Bismarck, N.D. (AP) North Dakota's Senate wants to extend the state's anti-discrimination protections to gays and lesbians.

Senators voted 27-19 to approve a bill that covers discrimination complaints dealing with employment, housing, credit, insurance and public accommodations. It prohibits discrimination in those areas based on a person's sexual orientation.

The bill now goes to the state house.

Before Wednesday's vote, senators agreed to change the bill to exempt religious organizations from some of its provisions.

North Dakota law already bans discrimination by race, color, sex, religion, age, national origin and disability. The law also prohibits discrimination based on whether a person is on public assistance, married, or unmarried.

The bill is HB2278.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 02-18-09 1419CST | save this article / add to your favorites list