HARRISBURG, Pa.—A bill that would eliminate an exception for labor disputes in the state's anti-harassment law has the Pennsylvania state House's approval.

House members voted 115 to 74 on Wednesday to send the bill to the Senate. It would change the law regarding harassment, stalking and threatening the use of a weapon of mass destruction in labor disputes.

The proposal was supported by all voting Republicans and opposed by most Democrats.

The sponsor, York County Republican Rep. Ron Miller, has said current law "enhances that culture of conflict that leads to more dangerous behavior."

But a labor leader has defended it, saying free-speech rights during labor disputes need to be preserved.

The bill got renewed attention after some members of a Philadelphia Ironworkers union were charged with racketeering and arson.