RALEIGH, N.C.  – The Legislature has narrowly voted to require all North Carolina public school districts to set forth bullying rules that identify potential targets, including gays and lesbians.

Gov. Beverly Perdue’s office also said Tuesday she’ll probably sign the bill approved earlier by the House by a vote of 58-57.

The bill would require schools to create policies by the end of the year that at a minimum list perceived characteristics of a person likely to be bullied. That list includes race, religion and physical appearance, as well as sexual orientation and gender identity.

There are 11 states that already have laws on the books designed to protect gay, lesbian and bisexual and transgender students from bullying.

The bill was passed after several amendments were rejected.