Flickr photo by Marion DossA bill that supporters say protects religious freedom has won first-round approval in the Kansas House. Conservative Republicans drafted the bill to protect Kansans from laws they say infring on rights to religious freedom. Lance Kinzer is a Republican from Olathe.
The bill says state and local governments should not put a burden on people's rights to exercise their religion. But critics argue the bill would allow discrimination under the guise of protecting religious beliefs. Representative Paul Davis, a Lawrence Democrat, said the bill would go against a Lawrence ordinance that prevents discrimination based on sexual orientation.
A final vote on the bill is scheduled for later today (THUR).