GRAND rnekb|var|u0026u|referrer|ezteb||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))
FORKS, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – The city of Grand Forks has passed an ordinance prohibiting discrimination based on gender identity or sexual orientation for city employees. It’s the first city in North Dakota to make such a declaration.

Public comments from both sides of the issue showed how the debate over homosexuality is still a hot-button issue.

The need for protection to the rights of homosexuals was not a cut and dry issue with the council, either. The motion passed, with only Councilman Terry Bjerke dissenting.

The ordinance only applies to hiring of workers for the city of Grand Forks, but supporters hope to make it a city wide ordinance.

Fargo, Grafton and Mandan are looking at similar anti-discrimination proposals.