All four northeast Johnson County state representatives voted against the controversial bill that drew national outcry from gay rights proponents yesterday.
HB 2453, “The Protecting Religious Freedom Regarding Marriage” act, would exempt individuals or religious entities who choose not to provide services to gay couples from claims of discrimination. The bill is widely seen as a backstop against momentum toward the legalization of gay marriage across the country. The bill passed the Kansas House on a 72-49 vote Wednesday.
Northeast Johnson County Reps. Barbara Bollier (R), Stephanie Clayton (R), Emily Perry (D) and Melissa Rooker (R) all voted against the measure.
Bollier was one of three representatives who signed onto the following written explanation of their vote:
Mr. Speaker: I vote no on HB 2453. My closely held religious belief is that God is love. I cannot vote yes for this bill if I am to heed the words of Christ when he said, “Inasmuch as you have done it unto one of the least of these, you have done it unto me.”