The Alabama Senate voted to protect faith-based adoption organizations refusing to place children with gay parents or in certain other households because of their religious beliefs.
The Alabama Senate approved that bill on a 22-9 vote yesterday.
The legislation would prohibit the state from refusing to license or sign contracts with faith-based adoption groups that refuse certain adoption placements because of their religious beliefs.
Sen. Bill Hightower, the bill sponsor, says it would guarantee that the faith-based agencies can stay in business. State Rep. Patricia Todd, the state's only openly gay lawmaker, says the measure amounts to blatant discrimination.
The House of Representatives approved the bill last month. But now the bill has to head back to the House after senators added an amendment.
Michigan, Virginia and North and South Dakota have passed similar laws.