After hearing from local residents both for, and against the issue, the St. Joseph County Council voted to approve a human rights ordinance that protects against discrimination on the basis of religion, gender identity, sex, race and disability, among other factors.

The 6-2 vote happened on Tuesday, Feb. 14.

The ordinance states that anyone who feels they’ve been a victim of discrimination can file an official complaint with the Indiana Civil Rights Commission.

Despite the vote, the ordinance must first be approved by county commissioners before it takes effect.