Orlando may soon see some big changes to their anti-discrimination ordinance.

City Council members passed the first reading of an ordinance which would add gender identity as a class protected against discrimination in employment, housing and public accommodations in the city of Orlando.

The citywide ordinance was created in 2002, stating it is unlawful to "discriminate against any such applicant or applicants because of the race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, handicap or marital status."

However, there is no mention of the transgender community, where someone identifies themselves as the opposite sex of what they were at birth.

A new proposal would add gender identity to that list. If added, that could mean employers, businesses and landlords could not turn away business to anyone transgender. It would also mean it would be illegal to harass transgender people in the workplace.

The ordinance now moves on to a second reading and if it is approved, it would take effect September 1.