ANDERSON, Ind. (AP) — The city of Anderson is the latest Indiana city to officially ban discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity.

The Herald Bulletin reports Mayor Kevin Smith signed the ordinance Friday that was unanimously approved by City Council on Dec. 10. The move comes ahead of an expected debate in the state Legislature over whether to stop allowing such local ordinances.

The ordinance extends local protections on housing, education, employment and public accommodations. Smith said he never considered not signing the ordinance into law, saying he thinks it will help attract new industry.

Indianapolis, South Bend and Evansville are among Indiana cities with local ordinances prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity.