BINGHAMTON, N.Y. -- The Binghamton city council said no to discrimination by saying yes to a bill that helps define and punish discrimination in the public sphere.

"It's another way to let people know that everyone has the same rights. In the old days, it was color, religion, whatever. Now it's size or sexual orientation. It just reinforces it," said Binghamton City Councilman Edward Collins.

The bill specifically protects transgendered and overweight individuals, along with other groups. It adds another legislative layer with respect to housing, employment and other areas of possible public discrimination.

"This law not only tracks New York State human rights law and the protections already enacted at the state level, it also extends some protections at the local level that have not yet passed at the state level," said Barrie Gewanter, New York Civil Liberties Union Executive Director.

Councilman Sean Massey was the bill's primary sponsor. He says his personal connection helped him push forward.

"I'm a member of the LGBT community and friends of mine from that community and said we don't have any protection based on gender expression and it seemed like one needed to create something," Massey said.

At a public hearing earlier this month and during open comment Monday, only two people spoke out against the bill. One because he didn't think it went far enough, the other challenged the bill's constitutionality.

"Under the leadership of Sean Massey is making a mistake. And if they vote for it, it's just a form of special interest legislation influencing the council," said Allan Nixon, who opposes the bill.

If violated, the law can results in severe civil penalties.

While not part of the anti-discrimination bill, Councilman Massey also plans to promote a Binghamton human rights commission in the coming months.