A bill that would protect LGBT people from job discrimination has been passed by a senate committee and will be considered by the full senate.

Senate File 153 would protect lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people from being discriminated against by an employer. The bill does include exemptions for religious organizations.

In committee testimony on Wednesday, former Wyoming congressional candidate Darin Smith, a Cheyenne attorney said there are already existing laws banning job discrimination against LGBT residents.

But Sara Burlingame of Wyoming Equality disputes that, saying there is currently nothing on the books in Wyoming to prevent LGBT people from being fired for their sexual orientation.

The city of Cheyenne has passed a non-binding resolution opposing discrimination in general, but only Laramie has a local law with penalties in place for discrimination against LGBT people. That ordinance applies to housing and businesses.

Senate File 153 targets only job discrimination. The Senate Minerals, Business, and Economic Development Committee voted 4-1 in favor of the bill.

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