The Palm Bay City Council on Thursday rejected a proposal that would have created an ordinance that supporters said would protect gays, lesbians, bisexuals and transgender people from discrimination.

More than 500 Palm Bay residents attended the council meeting to voice their opinion.

The meeting lasted more than six hours and ended into the early morning hours on Friday.

Officials say the ordinance was meant to protect the LGBT community at work, in housing and in the public. 

Opponents of the proposed Human Rights Ordinance had concerns about men being allowed to use women's restrooms without restriction. Councilman Harry Santiago said he was greatly concerned for the safety and welfare of women and especially children.

In the end, the council voted to reject the ordinance with council member Michelle Paccione, who brought the measure to the table, casting the lone vote in favor of it.

No Brevard County municipalities have adopted such an ordinance. Similar ordinances have passed in other Central Florida communities.