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A bill that would bar Nebraska employers from discriminating based on sexual orientation and gender identity has stalled in the Legislature.Lawmakers on Monday fell seven votes short of the support needed to overcome a filibuster and bring the bill to a vote. Senators voted 26-22 to end debate on the legislation; they needed 33.-- Video: Filibuster derails gay rights billThe National Conference of State Legislatures says 20 other states and the District of Columbia already ban employment discrimination based on sexual orientation. Included in those states are neighboring Iowa and Colorado.Sen. Danielle Conrad of Lincoln says she sponsored the proposal to protect workers from being fired because of their sexual preferences.Opponents argue that the bill could have violated the religious beliefs of businesses that oppose gay relationships."Small business owners shouldn't have to check their faith at the door when they go to run their small business," said Omaha Sen. Beau McCoy. "The religious exemption or exemption for religious organizations is actually a higher hurdle than in federal law."The bill exempts church organizations and doe snot cover housing or services. It would, however, require businesses with 15 or more employees to include sexual orientation in their anti-discrimination policy."They went out of their way to tell me what I was doing wrong and that if I didn't change I was going to face some sort of punishment or penalty or I was going to have to leave," said bill supporter Brian Whitecalf, as he recalled an incident with an employer.Another of the bill's backers, Michael Gordon said he hears stories like Whitecalf's often from friends. He said he was not surprised to see a bill with a lot of support fall short of a vote."You've got to have an enemy when you're in politics and we're the enemy now. (That) is what it comes down to," Gordon said. "I don't know, I was just raised by crazy people that thought everybody should be treated fairly."While the statewide issue failed in the Legislature, leaders in Omaha and Lincoln have already passed ordinances similar to the bill.