EAST GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (AP) — East Grand Rapids has become the state's 36th city to add protections for the LGBT community in its non-discrimination ordinance.

The East Grand Rapids City Commission voted unanimously Monday night in favor of the proposed sexual orientation and gender identity clause. The non-discrimination ordinance already prohibited discrimination based on characteristics such as race, religion or age.

But the new amendment will allow residents to file complaints when they feel they have been discriminated against based on their sexual orientation or gender identity when applying for in housing, employment and public accommodation.

On top of the legal protection, Mayor Amna Seibold says the clause shows the city welcomes people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender.

The amendment goes into effect next Thursday.