The bill, Senate Bill 101, garnered mostly Republican support.
Its purpose is to allow individuals and businesses to refuse service on the grounds of their personal beliefs.
Opponents of the bill are claiming it is a backlash to recent progress made in legalizing same-sex marriage. They say the bill would legalize discrimination, specifically against GLBT individuals.
The bill’s Republican proponents say it merely strengthens First Amendment rights of freedom of religion and the bill aims to protect individuals’ religious rights rather than attack them.
SB 101 has been sent to the House of Representatives for debate and a vote.
Daniel Metz
