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Wyoming House Advances Anti-LGBT ‘License To Discriminate’

Wyoming Rep. Nathan Winters (R), sponsor of the bill, is also a Baptist pastor. CREDIT: FACEBOOK/NATHAN WINTERS
Wyoming Rep. Nathan Winters (R), sponsor of the bill, is also a Baptist pastor. CREDIT: FACEBOOK/NATHAN WINTERS

Wyoming is one of several states that now has marriage equality but where LGBT people can still be discriminated against just because of who they are. On Monday, state lawmakers advanced a bill that would ensure that such discrimination continue.

Like in several other states, Wyoming lawmakers are pushing a “religious freedom” bill that lawmakers hope will allow individuals to legally justify anti-LGBT discrimination with their religious beliefs. Sponsor Rep. Nathan Winters (R) rejects that description, claiming instead that it protects people from being forced to do something they disagree with. Of course, if that’s serving employing, housing, or serving LGBT people, then it would apply.

Before the House approved the bill 36–23, they added an amendment that indicates the pro-discrimination potential of the legislation. The new language clarifies that government employees or officials are still required to perform the duties of their office, “regardless of the person’s religious or moral objections.” So, a clerk wouldn’t be able to refuse a same-sex couple a marriage license, which in turn implies that anyone who doesn’t work for the government can refuse that couple service.

Sexual orientation and gender identity are currently not protected under state law. Passage of this bill would not only cement a license to discriminate against LGBT people, but would supersede any protections passed at the local level.

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