Gay Marriage Bill Faces Death in Kansas Senate

The president of the Kansas Senate says her chamber is unlikely to pass a bill that would prevent lawsuits against someone who refuses, for religious reasons, to provide services to gay and lesbians.

The bill passed the House on Wednesday, drawing strong reaction from across the country. It would prohibit government sanctions or lawsuits over faith-based refusals to recognize same-sex unions or to provide goods, services, accommodations or employment benefits to couples.

Senate President Susan Wagle issued a statement Thursday night saying a majority of Republicans in the chamber don't support the bill. She says most Republican senators support traditional marriage and protecting religious freedom, but they also don't condone discrimination.

Most Democrats in the Senate have already said they oppose the bill.