Despite several more states legalizing gay marriage recently, Kansas lawmakers are considering a proposal that would protect individuals, groups, and businesses that refuse to recognize same-sex unions or to provide benefits to gay couples, for religious reasons.
State Representative Charles Macheers says the bill will protect religious freedom.
Governor Brownback is receptive to the idea, but says he hasn't yet studied the proposal enough to offer a formal endorsement.
Critics say the measure promotes discrimination against gays and lesbians, but is so broadly written that it could affect any gay or heterosexual couple with a less-than-traditional union.
The Kansas House's Federal and State Affairs Committee scheduled a hearing on the measure for Tuesday morning.