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Hutchinson Ballots Could Have Dueling Gay Rights Issues

Hutchinson voters in November might face ballot issues that would either repeal gay rights or broaden them. 

In June, the Hutchinson City Council added protections against discrimination in housing and employment for gay, lesbian and bisexual people.

After the vote, opponents began gathering signatures on petitions to require a November vote to repeal that ordinance. Today, the Kansas Equality Coalition announced it would gather signatures on a ballot question asking voters to approve wider protections for gays, lesbians and bisexuals.

The KEC, which has about 170 Hutchinson members, will need 327 valid signatures to get the question on the ballot.

Opponents led by the Kansas Family Policy Council say they already have more than 327 signatures needed to get their question on the ballot.