Voters in Springfield, Missouri on Tuesday narrowly repealed an ordinance that prohibited discrimination in employment, housing and public accommodations based on sexual orientation and gender identity.

Fifty-one percent of voters voted for repeal.

A.J. Bockelman, executive director of PROMO, an LGBT rights group, called the vote disappointing.

“We are still here for each other, and we will work together to continue to make Springfield a welcoming place for ALL people,” he said in a statement. “Tomorrow, just as today, we continue working to achieve equality.”

“Everyone in Springfield, including LGBT people, should be able to live, work, and care for their family without fear of discrimination,” said HRC National Field Director Marty Rouse in a statement. “While yesterday was a difficult setback for equality in Springfield, the fight goes on and the future is bright. We were proud to support the thousands of fair-minded voters in Springfield who cast ballots to defend equality in the election, and we're committed to ensuring that equality will ultimately prevail in Springfield and throughout the state of Missouri.”

The ordinance was approved in October by the Springfield City Council. Almost immediately, opponents began work on a petition drive to repeal the law.

Spearheading the effort was Christians United for Political Action

“The only issue that we have is we do not want to recognize and participate and lend our voice to gay marriage. That's it,” Calvin Morrow, the group's leader, told KY3.

However, the Rev. John Lindell, head of James River Church, compared being gay to being an alcoholic or an adulterer in a sermon last month urging congregants to repeal the law.

“It is possible for someone who has practiced a life of adultery to stop,” he said. “It is possible for someone who has been a life-long alcoholic to stop. It is possible for somebody who has a cutting tongue and big mouth to stop. It is possible for someone who is engaged in homosexual behavior to stop.”

Lindell added that gays will not make it to heaven.

Thirteen other Missouri cities have approved similar laws.