Battle Between Religious and Gay Rights Splits GOP States

[rug]

In this photo made Thursday, March 31, 2016, gay-rights supporter Rick Andris holds up a sign during a rally against a proposed constitutional amendment that would prohibit penalties against those who decline to provide wedding-related services to same-sex couples based on religious beliefs outside the Capitol in Jefferson City, Mo. Republican lawmakers have advanced measures in about a dozen states this year that could strengthen protections for those who refuse for religious reasons to provide services to gay couples. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)

By DAVID A. LIEB, ASSOCIATED PRESS
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — Apr 6, 2016, 2:09 AM ET

Republican lawmakers upset about the Supreme Court decision legalizing gay marriage have advanced measures in about a dozen states this year that could strengthen protections for those who refuse on religious grounds to provide services to same-sex couples.

The bills could benefit court clerks, photographers, florists, bakers, wedding-hall operators and others who say gay matrimony goes against their beliefs.

For a party already being torn apart by the presidential contest, the state legislative efforts have exposed deep rifts between the GOP's social conservatives and its pro-business wing. Business leaders worry that such measures will allow discrimination and scare away companies and major events.

So far, only a few proposals have become law. Those include narrowly tailored protections shielding Florida clergy from having to perform same-sex weddings and college religious organizations in Kansas from losing aid.

http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/wireStory/battle-religious-gay-rights-splits-gop-states-38184102