The following information comes from Americans United for Separation of Church & State:
Kentucky Governor Vetoes HB70!!!
Today, March 8, Governor Paul Patton vetoed HB70, which sought to amend the Kentucky Civil Rights Act to allow religious organizations and their activities and facilities to discriminate in the provision of public accommodations.
This veto is a MAJOR VICTORY for all of us who fight for civil rights and civil liberties. The veto was made possible by YOUR calls and letters to Frankfort. THANK YOU!
In his "Veto Message, " Governor Patton said the bill "would permit [religious] organizations to operate public accommodations, as defined by the Civil Rights Act, while refusing service based on the religion of the person seeking use of the organization's facility." He noted that civil rights laws "do not require a religious organization to open its facilities to the general public but they do require that if a religious organization opens its facilities to the General public, they must obey the same laws that non-religious entities are required to obey. House Bill 70 compromises this important purpose and violates both the spirit and meaning of the Kentucky Civil Rights Act by permitting discrimination on the basis of religion, the free exercise and non-establishment of which were among the fundamental principles in the founding of our state and country."
HB70 will be sent back to the Senate to consider overriding the Governor's veto. We will inform you as the time nears for the Senate to consider a possible override.
Please call the Governor's Office to thank him for his veto: 502-564-2867.
Ann Mulligan
States Legislative Coordinator
Americans United for Separation of Church and State 518 C Street,
NE
Washington, DC 20002
Phone: 202-466-3234 x 232
Fax: 202-466-2587
Email: mulligan@au.org
Web: www.au.org