FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) - Some lawmakers and liberal groups say a bill to bolster legal protections for religious freedom in Kentucky will undermine civil rights laws.
Among their claims are that Landlords could turn away gays, lesbians and biracial couples, women could lose access to birth control and abusive priests could try to elude investigations.
There is little evidence to support these fears. Sixteen states have passed such laws. Experts say they're often underused, if used at all. The people who claim religious infringement lose in court more than they win.
The legislation would give stronger standing to people in court who claim the law puts a burden on them because of their religious beliefs.
The bill, approved by the House and Senate, is headed to Gov. Steve Beshear.
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The legislation is House Bill 279.
(Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)
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