Billings, Mont., council rejects LGBT nondiscrimination ban

The Billings (Mont.) City Council last Tuesday voted 6-5 against a nondiscrimination ordinance that would have protected people from discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. 

Billings Mayor Tom Hanel was the deciding vote in the long-debated matter, and he cited issues he had with a portion of the bill dealing with public accommodations -- including restrooms and locker rooms -- as well as a section that allowed for monetary damages to those discriminated against.