AUGUSTA, Maine - A Republican Maine senator says he will again push for a "religious freedom'' measure similar to those that have caused uproar in the Midwest.
Sen. David Burns tells the Portland Press Herald that he will move forward with the proposal that has sparked fierce criticism in Indiana and Arkansas from people who say it would allow discrimination against gays and lesbians.
Burns' bill has not yet been printed but he says it's similar to one he introduced last year that was killed by the Democratic-led Legislature. That bill would have prohibited state and local governments from infringing upon someone's religious beliefs without a "compelling'' interest.
Burns says he thinks the measure is reasonable and needed. He says it's based on a federal law that hasn't had negative ramifications.