TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas legislators are advancing a bill aimed at protecting religious groups on state college campuses that bar gays and lesbians or otherwise limit membership based on their beliefs.
The House Federal and State Affairs Committee approved the measure Thursday on a 12-10 vote that sends the bill to the full chamber for debate. The Senate approved the bill two weeks ago.
The measure would prohibit state universities, community colleges and technical colleges from refusing to recognize or withholding space or other benefits to religious groups based on how they limit membership in line with sincerely held beliefs.
Supporters said the bill preserves the existing situation in Kansas and protects groups’ freedoms of association and worship.
But critics contend the measure would force colleges to support groups that discriminate.