TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) Kansas legislators will face renewed pressure next year to provide additional legal protections to gay marriage opponents who want to avoid accommodating same-sex couples for religious reasons.
A “religious freedom” measure failed in the Legislature earlier this year, even though conservative Republicans control both chambers and top GOP leaders strongly support the state constitution’s gay marriage ban.
A federal appeals court that has jurisdiction over Kansas struck down Utah’s gay marriage ban last month.
Gay marriage opponents believe Kansas’ ban is now in jeopardy, though Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Jeff King noted the ruling is on hold, leaving the state’s ban intact.
A prominent Southern Baptist minister in Wichita and other pastors and church organizations are determined to see legislators take up the “religious freedom” issue again.
