Veto decision looming for religious freedom bill

Posted: Fri 12:24 PM, Mar 22, 2013

FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) - Gov. Steve Beshear will have to decide Friday whether to veto a bill intended to protect religious freedom in Kentucky.

The second-term Democrat is being pressured by the American Civil Liberties Union of Kentucky and other groups to veto the measure that they contend could allow people claiming religious freedom to discriminate against gays and lesbians.

Meanwhile, church groups across the state have been urging Beshear to sign the bill, saying it would give stronger legal standing to people who claim their religious rights have been violated.

If Beshear doesn't veto the measure, Kentucky would join 16 other states that provide similar protections for people of faith.

Democratic state Rep. Bob Damon of Nicholasville, sponsor of the bill, said he will push for a legislative override if Beshear vetoes it.