Virginia Governor Vetoes Religious Exemption Bill

Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe has vetoed a 'religious exemption' bill that would have protected the rights of people who have a religious objection to being involved in same-sex weddings.

McAuliffe claims the measure would legalize discrimination against the LGBT community and hurt the state's economy.

The measure would have blocked the state from punishing religious groups that refuse services related to gay marriages.

Republican supporters said it would protect people expressing their sincerely held religious beliefs.

Social conservatives condemned McAuliffe's veto, saying the legislation provided a "modest protection" of religious liberties.

"It is unfortunate that Gov. McAuliffe is so willing to discriminate against people of faith who simply disagree with the secular left's sexual dogma," said Victoria Cobb, president of the Family Foundation of Virginia.

Georgia GOP Gov. Nathan Deal vetoed a bill similar to Virginia's earlier this week after facing boycott threats from the NFL and Hollywood.