WASHINGTON, Feb. 17 (Xinhuanet) -- The US Senate voted unanimously on Thursday for a legislation to protect people with a genetic predisposition to disease from discrimination by health insurers and employers.

    Senators voted 98-0 for the legislation barring insurers from using genetic information to deny coverage or charge people higher rates. Insurers would also be not allowed to collect genetic information of their potential customers.

    Employers would be prevented from making hiring or firing decisions on the basis of genetic information.

    The mapping of the human genome was completed about four years ago. Scientists believe genetic flaws can be found in every human. Sponsors of the legislation said they see the need to protect people from a misuse of scientific breakthroughs.

    The White House expressed support for the measure in a statement, saying that the potential misuse of genetic information "raises serious moral and legal issues."

    An almost identical legislation was approved in the Senate in 2003, but it was never brought to a vote before the full vote in the House of Representatives. The legislation had met opposition from some outside business groups, according to media reports. Enditem