Gay Rights Group Seeks Repeal of Kan. Marriage Ban

The leading gay-rights group in Kansas is asking legislators to repeal a state law and a provision in the state constitution that both ban same-sex marriage.

The Lawrence Journal-World reports the Kansas House Federal and State Affairs Committee agreed to sponsor both measures at the request of Equality Kansas executive director Tom Witt.

But committee Chairman Steve Brunk hasn't decided whether to hold hearings on either measure.

One proposal would repeal a 1996 law barring Kansas from recognizing gay marriages. The other would repeal a provision of the Constitution voters added in 2005 to ban gay marriage.

Witt said he wants a debate about marriage because the committee is considering a bill providing new legal protections to groups, businesses and individuals that oppose gay marriage for religious reasons.