(Photo by Stephen Koranda)Kansas House Speaker Ray Merrick says if he had to do it over again, he would not have brought a controversial religious freedom bill up for a vote. It would allow businesses, individuals and religious groups to refuse service or employment to same-sex couples on religious grounds. Critics of the legislation say it will allow discrimination against gays and lesbians. Merrick, a Republican from Stilwell, calls bringing the bill to the floor a “hiccup” in the process. He says their intent was to protect people who don’t want to take part in same-sex marriages, not to condone discrimination.
Earlier today (FRI), Senate leaders said the bill would not pass that chamber in its current form.