Opponents of the legislation gather at the Kansas Statehouse. (Photo by Stephen Koranda)
Around 200 people gathered at the Statehouse today (TUE) to protest controversial legislation that supporters say preserves religious freedom. Proponents of the bill say that it protects people who don’t want to provide goods or services to same-sex couples for religious reasons. Opponents of the measure say it’s so broadly written that it provides legal protection for discrimination. Kate Guimbellot (GIM-buh-low), from Olathe, attended the rally with a sign showing her partner of 23 years and their 6-year-old son.
The bill attracted widespread criticism after passing the Kansas House. It has now stalled in the Senate, after leaders there said it would not pass that chamber in its current form.