(Photo by Stephen Koranda)A committee in the Kansas Legislature could vote this week on a controversial religious freedom bill. It says businesses, individuals and other groups with strong religious beliefs can’t be forced to recognize same-sex marriage and provide employment or other services to same-sex couples. Michael Schuttloffel (SHUT-law-fell) is with the Kansas Catholic Conference. He uses the example of a photographer asked to photograph a same-sex wedding ceremony.
Opponents of the bill say it would provide legal protection for discrimination. Cristel Heffron was one of those speaking against the bill. She describes herself as happily married with two stepchildren.
There's a possibility that the Kansas ban on same-sex marriage could be struck down in the future, which has prompted lawmakers to consider this bill.