Gov. Sam Brownback has signed legislation that supporters say will shield Kansas residents from government infringement on religious liberties.
The governor's office confirms that the Kansas Religious Freedom Preservation Act was among a handful of bills Brownback signed Wednesday. Lawmakers approved the legislation this year after a similar measure stalled in 2012.
The Kansas Family Policy Council issued a statement praising the bill, which requires proof of a compelling government interest before any state or local law can compel residents to act in a manner that violates their religious beliefs.
Members of the Kansas Equality Coalition said the final version of the bill was modified from its original form to protect the rights the state's gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered population.