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JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Latest on the Missouri Senate debate over a proposed amendment to the state constitution granting greater religious protections to individuals, organizations and some business owners who object to same-sex marriage (all times local):
12:30 p.m.
Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon says a proposed constitutional amendment granting religious exemptions to some business owners opposed to gay marriage could be "harmful to our economy."
The Democratic governor also said Wednesday that the measure would "condone discrimination" and urged the House to oppose it.
His comments come after the Republican-led Senate ended a 37-hour filibuster by Democrats and gave initial approval to the measure. It would bar government penalties against those who cite a "sincere religious belief" while declining to provide wedding-related services to same-sex couples.
A second Senate vote is expected Thursday to send the measure to the House, where Republican leaders also have expressed support. If passed by the Legislature, the proposal would go before voters on either the August primary or November general election ballot.
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7:35 a.m.
The GOP-led Missouri Senate has given initial approval to a proposal to amend the Missouri Constitution to provide further religious protections for those objecting to gay marriage.
The 23-9 vote Wednesday came after Republicans broke a more than 30-hour Democratic filibuster.
The measure would prohibit government penalties against business owners and individuals who cite a "sincere religious belief" while declining to provide services involving "expressional or artistic creation" for same-sex weddings.
It also would shield clergy and worship places that decline to participate in such weddings.
Debate began Monday afternoon. Republicans used a rare procedural move Wednesday to force a vote and end what has been the longest continuous debate in recent Missouri history.
The measure needs a second vote of approval to move to the House.
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7:15 a.m.
In an apparent effort to force a vote and end a filibuster, the Republican sponsor of a Missouri religious objections proposal has distributed a new version of a measure that would allow protections if businesses deny services related to same-sex marriage.
The revised proposal was released Wednesday after a more than 30-hour Democratic filibuster that started Monday.
The measure would prohibit government penalties against business owners and individuals who cite a "sincere religious belief" while declining to provide services involving "expressional or artistic creation" for same-sex weddings.
The proposed new version of the measure specifies that businesses are protected if services are denied for a wedding or close before or after a reception. It also cites florists and photographers as examples.
The measure also would shield clergy and worship places that decline to participate in such weddings.
Senators haven't voted on the new proposal.
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Missouri religious protection measure is SJR 39.
Online:
Senate: http://www.senate.mo.gov
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