North Dakota: It's OK To Discriminate

North Dakota's House of Representatives has voted against extending anti-discrimination protections to LGBT citizens.

Representatives voted 54-34 to reject the measure. It sought to ban discrimination in housing, employment and credit on the basis of a person's sexual orientation. North Dakota law already extends the same protection to a number of categories, including a person's race, color, sex, religious beliefs and national origin.

Being gay or lesbian "is not something that you're born with, that you have no choice in," said Rep. Robin Weisz, R-Hurdsfield. "It is a behavior, and it is a lifestyle choice." The legislation may force North Dakotans who oppose homosexuality to accept it, Weisz said. "I don't think (the bill) is needed," Weisz said. "I do believe it has consequences that aren't in the best interest of this state, that do intrude on the rights of others."

Contact Rep. Weisz at rweisz@nd.gov.