Senate vote targets sexual orientation bias

CARSON CITY -- Discrimination based on sexual orientation would be prohibited under a bill approved 19-2 Wednesday in the state Senate.

Under SB207, the Nevada Equal Rights Commission would be required to investigate complaints filed by those reporting such discrimination. The bill now goes to the Assembly for more hearings.

The bill is sponsored by Sen. David Parks, D-Las Vegas, the only openly gay lawmaker in the Legislature.

Republican senators Maurice Washington, a minister from Sparks, and Barbara Cegavske of Las Vegas cast the only no votes.

Washington asked Parks if the bill was necessary, saying state law already seems to prohibit such discrimination.

During a March 27 hearing in the Senate Commerce and Labor Committee, speakers asked that the bill be amended to make it unlawful to discriminate against transgender persons. That led to complaints that men might be allowed in public restrooms for women.