Religion - Discrimination

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) - A Kansas House committee has endorsed
legislation that backers say would protect religious freedom but
opponents believe would allow discrimination based on sexual
orientation.
     Monday's adoption by the House Judiciary Committee on a voice
vote sends the bill to the full House.
     Republican committee chairman Lance Kinzer says the bill puts
into law the language of Kansas court decisions for determining
when government policies place too heavy a burden on practicing
religion.
     It also allows people to sue state and local government agencies
if they feel their religious freedoms have been abridged.
     Critics, including the Kansas Equality Coalition, claim the bill
would be used to discriminate against individuals based on sexual
orientation.