Kentucky governor vetoes "religious freedom" bill

Though Steve Beshear, a Democrat, blocked the bill, the legislature could still override his veto

Published March 24, 2013 9:11PM (EDT)

Gov. Steve Beshear, D-Ky.       (Wikipedia/Gage Skidmore)
Gov. Steve Beshear, D-Ky. (Wikipedia/Gage Skidmore)

Gov. Steve Beshear, D-Ky., vetoed a bill that would carve out broader protections for "religious freedom," which in practice could give cover to those who discriminate against gays and lesbians. The bill, which overwhelmingly passed out of the state House and state Senate, will return to the legislature next week for a vote to potentially override the veto.

From the Louisville Courier-Journal:

The bill passed the House 82-7 and the Senate 29-6. Only a majority vote in both chambers is required to have the bill become law over Beshear’s veto.

In a news release, Beshear said he had “significant concerns” that the bill would “cause serious unintentional consequences that could threaten public safety, health care and individuals’ civil rights.”

 


By Jillian Rayfield

Jillian Rayfield is an Assistant News Editor for Salon, focusing on politics. Follow her on Twitter at @jillrayfield or email her at jrayfield@salon.com.

MORE FROM Jillian Rayfield


Related Topics ------------------------------------------

Bullying Gay Rights Kentucky Religious Freedom Steve Beshear