The debate over West Virginia's HB 4012 RFRA continues, but some state delegates have been more blunt about the purpose of the bill than others.
From Charleston Gazette-Mail:
Kellie Fiedorek, an attorney with the conservative Alliance Defending Freedom, said during a meeting of the House Judiciary Committee last week that RFRA laws protect you “regardless of sexual orientation.” The bill's lead sponsor, Delegate John O'Neal, R-Raleigh, said “that really is a separate issue.” Several supporters have pointed out that there is a federal RFRA, and RFRAs in several other states predate the Supreme Court's decision on same-sex marriage.
But Delegate Rupie Phillips, one of the bill's 10 co-sponsors, said late last week that LGBT rights actually are at the heart of the issue. He was asked if support for the “religious freedom” bill stems from opposition to same-sex marriage.
“Pretty much,” Phillips, D-Logan, said.