Klingenschmitt proposed bill similar to the lndiana law that critics see as legalizing discrimination against gays, lesbians
Colorado State Rep. Gordon Klingenschmitt, R-Colorado Springs, proposed a bill in early March that would have allowed created exemptions to the state’s anti-discrimination law in cases of speech, artistic or religious expression – similar to the law that has drawn so much attention in Indiana.
Klingenschmitt said House Bill 1161, which counted Colorado Springs Rep. Lois Landgraf and Colorado Springs Sen. Kevin Grantham among its several sponsors, was designed to protect “the pro-gay baker’s rights to not print hateful speech that is being compelled by the government.”
Klingenschmitt also referenced cases in which Denver bakeries refused to print anti-gay remarks on a Bible-shaped cake. His bill was rejected in its first committee hearing on a 9-2 vote.
MORE on Indiana law:
–Indiana governor wants changes to religious-objections law
-Religious freedom laws not used against gays in the past
-Democrat O’Malley hits GOP support for Indiana law
–Indianapolis Star calls for law protecting gays, lesbians