Protesters rally against Ga. 'religious freedom' bill

ATLANTA (AP) -- Demonstrators gathered at the Georgia Capitol building to rally against a bill critics say could lead to discrimination of gays, lesbians and others.

Protesters on Tuesday rallied at the Georgia state Capitol building against a Senate bill sponsored by Republican Sen. Josh McKoon of Columbus.

The bill would forbid state government from infringing on a person's religious beliefs unless the government can prove it has a compelling interest. The bill has drawn both support and opposition from clergy members.

The American Civil Liberties Union has said similar bills have been introduced this year in more than a dozen states as conservatives brace for a possible U.S. Supreme Court ruling legalizing same-sex marriage nationwide.