The Virginia House of Delegates has passed a bill to protect people who oppose same-sex marriage.
The measure stops state agencies from punishing individuals and businesses whose religious beliefs prevent them from offering services to same-sex couples or transgender people.
Critics say the measure would allow discrimination.
But the bill's sponsor, Republican Del. Todd Gilbert, said the measeure is necessary because supporters of same-sex marriage "will not be satisfied until people of faith are driven out of this discourse, are made to cower, are made to be in fear of speaking their minds."
The measure heads to the Virginia Senate, which narrowly approved legislation last week that would allow officials to refuse to conduct same-sex marriages.
Both measures are opposed by Democratic Gov. Terry McAuliffe and don't appear to have enough votes to survive his expected veto.
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