He cast the issue as one of “doing the right thing” and being good for business. He said the protections that would be offered under the bill are important to attracting and keeping good employees.

“No one should be fired for how their creator made them or for who they love,” he said.

But opponents said the measure was unneeded and would create a new burden on small businesses.

Sen. Bob Krist of Omaha offered the motion to table the bill, saying he thought the issue had enough debate between last year and this year.

“It is not a subject matter that I think deserves an up or down vote,” he said.

Sen. Bill Kintner of Papillion said the measure could interfere with employers’ right to free expression of their religious beliefs and would force them to act against their own conscience.

“Everyone should be free to live and work according to their faith,” he said.

Kintner suggested that people who don’t feel comfortable in the state should leave.

One lawmaker urged his colleagues to keep the debate on a professional level and avoid making what has often turned into a bitter and emotional debate too personal.