Exercising State Rights While They Still Exist

02.15.2014

Kansas House passes bill allowing refusal of service to same-sex couples

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) -- Kansas Senate president says a bill that would prevent lawsuits against someone who refuses, for religious reasons, to provide services to gay and lesbians will not pass in her chamber as it is currently written.

Senate President Susan Wagle says Friday that the bill goes beyond protecting religious freedom. She raised concerns about discrimination and how it could impact businesses that would refuse services to gay couples.

The bill passed the House on Wednesday, drawing strong reaction from across the country. It would prohibit government sanctions or lawsuits over faith-based refusals to recognize same-sex unions or to provide goods, services, accommodations or employment benefits to couples.

Wagle says most Republican senators support traditional marriage and protecting religious freedom.

Most Senate Democrats oppose the bill. 

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