Bill faced criticism from groups such as REAL Women and Campaign Life Coalition. (CBC)

An NDP private member's bill to protect transgender people from discrimination was passed by the House of Commons, but could face a roadblock in the Conservative dominated Senate.

The bill — C-389 — seeks to add protection to Canadian Human Rights Act and the Criminal Code for those who've changed gender or are in transition.

It was introduced by British Columbia New Democrat MP Bill Siksay and has faced a storm of criticism from lobby groups such as REAL Women and Campaign Life Coalition.

Both groups argue it will protect sexual predators — something that Siksay dismisses as ridiculous and alarmist.

He says criminal behaviour will still be prosecuted.

The vote Wednesday pretty much split along party lines with the Conservative government voting against, but MPs from the Liberals, Bloc Quebecois and the NDP supporting it.

The House voted on other opposition motions Wednesday night, including the Liberals' motion to reverse corporate tax cuts. The motion passed with 149 votes for and 134 against, but the government is not bound by it.

Bill C-474, a private member's bill sponsored by NDP MP Alex Atamanenko, was defeated 178-98, when many Liberals sided with the Conservatives. The bill would have required "that an analysis of potential harm to export markets be conducted before the sale of any new genetically engineered seed is permitted."