Belgrade - Serbian parliament on Thursday approved a law against discrimination, despite objections from the Serbian Orthodox Church, conservatives and nationalists.

The 250 member parliament passed the law with 127 votes in favor and 59 against. The remaining deputies did not attend the session.

The law bans discrimination based on race, gender, national, social, ethnic, religious or sexual orientation.

Serbian church requested changes in the articles dealing with gay rights and religious freedoms. The government withdrew the law after church's remarks but in the end didn't make major changes.

The law is crucial for getting visa free traveling for Serbian citizens to the European Union. (dpa)