An executive order from Kansas Governor Sam Brownback is aimed at shielding religious groups from having to honor same-sex marriages. The governor says his order prevents the state from denying religious groups tax breaks, contracts, licenses or accreditation because they oppose gay and lesbian marriages. Michael Schuttloffel (SHUT-lah-ful), the executive director of the Kansas Catholic Conference, says that without such protections, the church has been forced to shut down some services.
Schuttloffel says Brownback’s order protects religious freedom. Gay rights advocates say the exective order is likely unconstitutional.
