The Wyoming Senate has given final approval to a bill that provides protections to gay and transgender people in the workplace.

Despite some minor opposition that it takes away rights from the business sector, the Senate overwhelmingly supported the bill 24 to 6. Cody Republican Hank Coe says it’s not a bill the Senate would have considered 15 years ago.

“Time has changed. This is 2015, we need to step up and do what we need to do and we need to pass this bill. Discrimination in the workplace, that’s what this bill is about, is just wrong.”

Wyoming Equality Chairman Jeran Artery says it was a historic vote.

“I was really, really touched, by some of the probably unlikely messengers. But again these are smart men, these are business men, and they get it.

The bill does provide a number of exemptions to church organizations and religious groups.  The bill will now be considered by the House.