DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – Gays and lesbians may soon enjoy more civil rights protections after the Legislature approved a bill Wednesday, April 25, that would allow them equal opportunity in employment, housing and other areas.

The House had blocked the measure for weeks but approved it early Wednesday night, sending it to the Senate where it passed hours later.

Gov. Chet Culver said he plans to sign the proposal into law, calling the bill historic and commending lawmakers for their votes.

“I think it’s a good bill, a very strong bill,” said Ralph Rosenberg, who heads the Iowa Civil Rights Commission, which enforces the civil rights laws. “It sends a strong message.”

The House added an amendment to clarify that the proposal wouldn’t alter a state law that defines marriage as between a man and a woman.

House Minority Leader Chris Rants, R-Sioux City, opposed the measure, saying he wanted to underscore the state marriage law.

“A lot of Republicans wanted to protect marriage,” Rants said.

Rants had earlier threatened to lock up Republicans and force Democrats to find enough support in their party to approve the measure. But Democratic leaders used a rare procedure to force all lawmakers at the Statehouse into the House, where the doors were locked and the vote was taken.

Rants said he eventually allowed Republican lawmakers to vote as they wish.

“I don’t break arms,” Rants said.

After the vote, an emotional House Speaker Pat Murphy, D-Dubuque, left the chamber to compose himself. Murphy said he’s twice pushed for new protections for gays and lesbians and was losing hope that it would pass.