TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) – The Kansas Chamber of Commerce says legislators should not pursue a new religious objections law following an executive order from Republican Gov. Sam Brownback protecting clergy and religious groups.
The influential business group issued a statement Wednesday saying that Brownback’s executive order is a sufficient response to the recent U.S. Supreme Court decision legalizing same-sex marriage across the nation.
Kansas had banned gay marriage and refused to recognize such marriages from other states. Brownback said the high court ruling is a potential threat to religious liberties.
His order Tuesday told Kansas government agencies that they can’t punish ministers or religious groups for opposing same-sex marriage.
The chamber said it recommends against expanding the order’s scope or enacting a broader religious objections law because it worries about burdens on business.
