Sponsor delays hearing on protecting gay marriage objectors

ATLANTA (AP) A powerful Georgia Senate committee has delayed a hearing on a bill allowing religious adoption agencies, schools, government workers and others to refuse services to same-sex couples without being penalized.

The bill's sponsor state Sen. Greg Kirk, an Americus Republican, asked for more time during Wednesday's Senate Rules committee meeting. The panel was scheduled to discuss the measure.

The Rules committee also decides which bills receive a full Senate vote.

Kirk has said his bill would not allow public employees to avoid duties of their job, including clerks who issue marriage licenses. Gay-rights advocates oppose the bill, saying it sanctions discrimination.

The proposal is one of at least eight measures filed by Georgia lawmakers this year following the U.S. Supreme Court's decision legalizing same-sex marriage nationwide.