The Senate moved forward on an anti-discrimination bill on Monday.

Seven Republicans joined Democrats in a 61-30 historic vote to advance debate on the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA), which would prohibit discrimination against gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people in most workplaces.

It will be the first time the Senate takes up the issue since 1996.

Ian Thompson, an ACLU legislative representative, said in a statement that the vote marked the nation moving “one step closer to finally enshrining in law the basic principle that job applicants and employees should be judged on their professional credentials and the caliber of their work, and not be penalized because of who they are.”

“Unfortunately, in 29 states you can still be fired for who you are and who you love. That is just plain wrong,” said ENDA 2013’s main sponsor Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.)  “This week, the Senate has an opportunity to right this wrong and stand for fairness and equality for all Americans. I urge my colleagues to put in place these commonsense protections for our LGBT friends and families.”

Some equal rights advocates, however, are saying the religious exemption amendment attached to the legislation will leave some workers without protection from discrimination.