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ATLANTA (AP) — Discussion of legal exemptions for same-sex marriage opponents is expected to dominate the day at Georgia's Capitol.
The House is scheduled to vote Thursday on a bill explicitly stating that religious officials don't have to perform marriages that violate their faith. Supporters acknowledge the Constitution already protects faith leaders but say the bill will reassure them.
A Senate committee plans to discuss a bill allowing religious adoption agencies, schools, government workers and others to refuse services to same-sex couples without penalty. Sen. Greg Kirk was scheduled to present the bill during Wednesday's Senate Rules committee meeting but requested more time.
The Rules committee determines which bills receive a full Senate vote.
The bills are among 8 measures filed by Georgia lawmakers following the U.S. Supreme Court's decision legalizing same-sex marriage.
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