The controversial “Protecting Religious Freedom Regarding Marriage” act was struck down by Kansas Senate Vice President Jeff King Tuesday night. The bill stirred up controversy around the state and the country because of the possibility of it being used to discriminate against members of the LGBT community.

The Senate’s proactive response came due to vigorous social media responses as well as letters and phone calls from none-too-pleased constituents.

Wichita State was also thrown into the debate.

“I think it’s clearly discrimination,” WSU senior Brandon Gregoire, said. “I really thought we were past all this.”

The bill was passed in the Kansas House of Representatives last Wednesday and was rejected by the Senate Vice President before it had a chance to be debated. The bill came as a response to religious business owners facing legal response for refusing to serve homosexuals.

An example of this occurred last November with Elaine Huguenin, a New Mexican wedding photographer. She was sued by a lesbian couple after she turned away their business. The case was brought to the New Mexico Supreme Court, where Huguenin lost, sparking the debate over religious freedom and gay rights that eventually led to the bill passed in the Kansas House.

Bo Bonner, director of Faith Formation at the Newman Center at WSU, said that this an example of the other side also facing discrimination in the way private businesses are being forced to conduct themselves. He referred to the official statement from the Kansas Catholic Conference.

“The legalization of same-sex marriage has triggered legal conflicts with religious freedom everywhere it has occurred,” the statement read. “Even in states that have enacted some statutory protections for religious freedom. It is much better to clearly and broadly protect religious civil rights and liberties to avoid these conflicts materializing in Kansas.”

Whether the bill stands for religious freedom or outright discrimination is a matter of personal opinion, and Senate President Susan Wagle, who lead the charge to kill the bill in the senate, explained where she stood.

“After an initial review, I’ve grown concerned about the practical aspect of the bill,” she said. “A strong majority of my members support laws that define traditional marriage, protect religious institutions, and protect individuals from being forced to violate their personal moral values. However, my members also don’t condone discrimination.”

Although this bill has been killed, King said a Senate committee will explore options for religious liberty in hearings this spring.