Rating:

0.0 (0 votes)

HELENA- A bill which could repeal Missoula's anti discrimination ordinance passed its first hurdle in the Montana Senate on Friday.

Representative Kris Hansen's bill would prevent local governments from protecting certain classes of people who are not protected under state law. Legislators amended the bill to apply only to local ordinances and not to resolutions or policies.

"There was not one member of the Missoula delegation who supported this bill. Not one. I find it very disheartening, that a member from a very far and away across the mountains, a member of the legislature would impose such a thought on a city." said State Senator Shannon Augare (D-Browning).

"It's simply a matter of respect for the law, and the law is clear that if someone wants to make a discrimination claim they follow the Human Rights Act, similar to workers compensation they follow that as an exclusive remedy. It protects the burdened and it protects the protected." said State Senator Art Wittich (R-Bozeman).

The bill passed along party lines in a 5-4 vote and now it's headed to the Senate floor for further debate.