In an unusual move Friday, Republican state senators blocked an LGBT advocate from continuing to serve on the Colorado Civil Rights Commission — which she chairs — by rejecting re-appointment to the group by Democratic Gov. John Hickenlooper.

Heidi Jeanne Hess‘ appointment was voted down 18-17 in a party-line vote before the full state Senate in a move that possibly stemmed from tension over legislation that passed several years ago. Her nomination had earlier won a recommendation for approval from the Senate State Affairs Committee.

Republicans argued, in rejecting Hess’ appointment, that she advocates for suing business owners. Senate President Pro Tem Jerry Sonnenberg, the chamber’s No. 2 Republican, asked lawmakers to reject her nomination.

“This is the lady that advocates for ‘sue your boss’ and other things,” the Sterling lawmaker said. “I think this would be a conflict of interest and I don’t think it would be a good decision for the state of Colorado.”

Hess, a Democrat from the Grand Junction area, was first appointed to the commission as an at-large member in May 2013 for a term to expire in March 2017. Hickenlooper reappointed her to the commission in March to serve until 2021.

Hess is the Western Slope field organizer for One Colorado, an organization that promotes and protects the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people in Colorado.

“Really (the Republicans) felt that the spot on the commission is supposed to be from the business community so they didn’t feel satisfied with the candidate’s business credentials,” said Rep. Dominick Moreno, D-Commerce City, a member of the LGBT caucus. “I think the voice of an LGBT person is really needed on the Civil Rights Commission, so I’m obviously really disappointed that her confirmation was shut down. But I don’t think her LGBT identity played a role in her confirmation being rejected.”

Tony Gagliardi, state director for the National Federation of Independent Business, says Hess’ blocked nomination in part stems from a misprint on the civil rights commission’s website, which listed Hess as a small business representative on the board. Her position is really as an at-large representative, which is now reflected on the site.

“I just Googled her name and her name popped up” as not being a business owner, Gagliardi said. It raised red flags too, he explained, because the web search showed her being associated with One Colorado, which supported a 2013 bill — called the “sue your boss” bill by opponents — that opened up employees’ abilities sue their employers.

Gagliardi says the small business community has long felt shut out of the civil rights commission and he ultimately went to the Senate Republicans to ask that they not approve Hess’ nomination.

“This goes all the way back to when House Bill 1136 was passed (in 2013),” he said. “There was absolutely nothing having to do with” her LGBT work.

One Colorado called the rejected appointment a “blatantly discriminatory vote” while state Senate Democrats said in a tweet that it was “despicable.”

“I think it’s a bit of surprise,” said Daniel Ramos, executive director of One Colorado. “Back in 2013 when Heidi was first confirmed there were many (Republican) senators who voted for her who are still in the state Senate. It’s a bit surprising that they have decided to vote against her.”

It’s unusual for lawmakers to block an appointment by the governor in such a public fashion.

The Colorado Civil Rights Commission, which has seven members, is responsible for investigating complaints and conducting hearings about alleged discrimination in employment, apprenticeship programs, on-the-job training and vocational schools. The commission also investigates the existence of discriminatory or unfair employment practices.

Despicable. A woman who is part of the #LGBTQ community, who has advocated for civil rights, voted down on party lines. #copolitics #coleg https://t.co/HECgyBfbDr — Colorado Senate Dems (@COSenDem) May 5, 2017

It is charged, as well, with the promotion of good will and cooperation among various racial, religious, and ethnic groups in the state. The commission is housed under the Department of Regulatory Agencies division of civil rights.

Ramos said without Hess’ voice on the commission, its perspective will be severely limited — especially since she is the only member from the Western Slope and an out lesbian. He said her blocked nomination should be reconsidered.

“The commission itself will be lacking a critical voice from western Colorado,” Ramos said. “For us, I think the other piece that is important is that she has served on the commission for the past four years and currently serves as chair.”

Hickenlooper declined to comment and efforts to reach Hess and were not successful.