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Gay-Rights Activists Rally At Statehouse To Protest 'Religious Freedom Bill'

Gay-rights supporters are rallying at the Kansas Statehouse at 1pm on Tuesday to protest anti-gay marriage legislation that critics contend would encourage discrimination.

Rally organizers include: the group Equality Kansas, the American Civil Liberties Union and Americans United for the Separation of Church and State.

They oppose a bill that prohibits government fines and anti-discrimination lawsuits when people, groups, businesses cite their religious beliefs for refusing goods, services, accommodations or employment benefits to gay and lesbian couples.

Bill supporters say it protects gay-marriage opponents from being punished for following their religious beliefs in refusing to be involved in same-sex ceremonies.

But after the Kansas House approved it earlier this month, some businesses and business groups worried the bill had broader implications.

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