ATLANTA (AP) — The Georgia House has approved a bill explicitly stating that religious officials don't have to perform same-sex marriages that violate their faith.
Supporters acknowledge the Constitution already protects faith leaders but say the bill will reassure them following the U.S. Supreme Court's recent ruling legalizing gay marriage. The measure, first suggested by House Speaker David Ralston, passed the Republican-dominated chamber with 161 votes.
Evangelical groups and some Republicans lawmakers have called for other bills broadly limiting government's ability to infringe on religious beliefs. But gay-rights advocates and the business community warn that those measures are discriminatory or could harm Georgia's economy.
Ralston also has questioned the need for those measures, earning criticism by some GOP lawmakers and Evangelicals.
The bill now goes to the state Senate for review.
