Legislative panel rejects 'Words' bill

The House State Affairs Committee voted along party lines Thursday to kill the “Add The Words” bill, but GOP lawmakers said a compromise can be found to address religious concerns.

After 22 hours of emotionally charged hearings on the bill, which would extend state civil rights protections to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people, the committee voted 13-4 to hold the bill in committee.

However, several Republican lawmakers said they think a compromise can be reached that would satisfy the LGBT community and address the religious concerns expressed during the hearings.

“I am in favor of legislation,” said Rep. Ken Andrus, R-Lava Hot Springs. “I don’t think today that this is that legislation.”

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