North Dakota sucks. Sorry, DU North Dakotans.

[cali]

ND House defeats anti-gay discrimination bill
By DALE WETZEL Associated Press Writer , The Associated Press - BISMARCK, N.D.

North Dakota's House has defeated a proposal to prohibit discrimination against gays and lesbians, with opponents saying it would unfairly extend state protection to a "lifestyle choice."

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."
http://www.grandforksherald.com/event/apArticle/id/D97B5PA01/
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."

The bill's supporters said it was wrong to discriminate against someone in housing, employment and credit simply because of his or her sexual orientation.

<snip>

http://www.grandforksherald.com/event/apArticle/id/D97B5PA01/

[gratuitous]

1. Uh, getting married is a lifestyle choice

And North Dakota extends all kinds of benefits to married couples that aren't available to unmarried couples. But if this sort of bogus argument is persuasive to North Dakotans, so be it.

[NavyDavy]

2. i think the fed gov should cut off any support for state projects

in states that refuse to pass laws that protect all citizens.....well religion is also a life style choice.....so that should not be protected if they are using that type of logic

[galileoreloaded]

7. How about the other way around.

States that do support equal rights, abolish federal taxes and increase state taxes to make up the difference and fill the funding gap.

[msongs]

3. evidently god has sent the flood to punish ND for its sins eh? nt

[billyoc]

4. Wow, North Dakota is the new California.

[ruggerson]

5. Robin Weisz woke up one morning and decided to be straight?

[cali]

8. Nope. And being an asshole seems to be congenital too.

[depakid]

6. This needs to simply be dealt with through the Federal Civil Rights Act

Once and for all.