A state lawmaker has withdrawn a religious freedom bill that was similar to controversial laws recently passed in Indiana and other states.
The Associated Press reported that Sen. David Burns, R-Whitling, withdrew LD 1340 because he didn’t think it would get a fair hearing after opponents and the media “poisoned the well of public discussion.” The bill’s withdrawal occurred just as several Senate Republican leaders offered their support for the legislation.
The bill have have prohibited local, state and county governments from placing a substantial burden on a person’s right to free exercise of their religion. While supporters said it would have protected Mainers’ constitutional right to religious freedom, civil rights groups and Democrats said it would have amounted to legalizing discrimination.
Source: The Associated Press
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