WASHINGTON, Nov. 7 – Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) welcomed today’s 64-32 Senate vote in favor of a bill to prohibit workplace discrimination against gay, bisexual and transgender Americans.

“I am very pleased that the Senate has taken this important step toward making America the democratic and inclusive society it should be,” Sanders said. “Today’s vote was a long-overdue victory in the struggle to end workplace discrimination against gay and transgender Americans.”

The legislation was first introduced in the Senate nearly two decades ago.

The Senate-passed measure now goes to the House.

Vermont has prohibited discrimination based on sexual orientation since 1992.

It has been illegal to discriminate against transgender Vermonters since 2007.