Legislation offering protection from discrimination for gays and lesbians in Delaware, covering everything from housing to insurance, won approval by the state’s General Assembly and now awaits the signature of Gov. Jack Markell.

Senate Bill 121 adds the term “sexual orientation” to the already-existing list of prohibited practices of discrimination, according to text of the bill.

The law, if signed by Markell, would forbid discrimination against a person on the basis of sexual orientation in housing, employment, public works contracting, public accommodations and insurance.

The proposed law would also establish that the Superior Court, in the first instance, would adjudicate any alleged criminal violations.

The legislation passed Delaware’s House, 26-14, and Senate, 14-5, moving it the furthest such a bill has come in more than a decade, according to The News Journal (Wilmington, Del.).

Amendments to the bill including those that would have clarified it to not be used to force recognition of same-sex marriages and prevented schools from teaching acceptance of homosexuality were defeated prior to a final vote.

Markell has expressed support for the measure, Rep. Pete Schwartzkopf (D-Rehoboth Beach) told the newspaper.