Petitions seeking to repeal Omaha's new legal protections for gay and transgender residents are now being circulated.

Organizers must gather about 11,400 valid signatures over the next month to put the measure before voters.

A local tea party organizer and clergy and Christian groups are supporting the effort.

The Omaha City Council narrowly approved the ordinance in March that bans employers, job-training programs, labor groups and other organizations from discriminating based on a person's sexual orientation. The measure included exemptions for religious organizations.

The Lincoln City Council adopted a similar ordinance in May, but opponents mounted a successful petition drive that requires the council to either let the ordinance die or submit it for voter approval.

The public vote has not yet been scheduled.