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West Virginia Senate Kills Religious Objection Bill

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) – West Virginia senators have killed a religious objections bill that they previously amended.

The Republican-led Senate voted down the bill by a 27-7 margin Wednesday. The House previously passed a broader version.

Many businesses worried the House bill would sanction discrimination in the name of religion. The bill would let a person challenge a governmental body in court that has made him or her follow a particular state or local law that goes counter to a deeply held religious belief.

A Senate amendment accepted Tuesday said the bill wouldn’t trump nondiscrimination ordinances, which exist in eight cities. It said the bill would not override child vaccination requirements.

Some senators didn’t think the Senate amendment protected religious freedom enough. Others opposed the bill in general.

The legislative session ends March 12.