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"Religious Freedom" Bill Could Keep K.C. From Hosting Events, Including Big 12 Tourney

K.C. officials are saying that big events which bring millions to to the city's economy "could be at risk if a proposed 'religious freedom' amendment is added to the Missouri Constitution," according to Blair Kerkhoff of the K.C. STAR. The city currently "gets its share of college sports championship events, most recently the Big 12 men’s basketball tournament." But Republicans in the Missouri Senate have "voted to amend the state’s constitution to allow certain businesses to refuse services to same-sex couples based on religious beliefs." The proposed amendment "goes to the Missouri House, and if approved there would be on the ballot later this year." Big 12 Commissioner Bob Bowlsby said, "We will consider the impact of the Missouri Legislature’s action on current and future Big 12 events." Kerkhoff notes K.C. two years ago was awarded 14 NCAA championships through '17. K.C. Sports Commission President & CEO Kathy Nelson said, "For those of us who are trying to attract events to our city and our state, this is very concerning. Would we be awarded championships, with a ‘however?’ Or the NCAA could just say, ‘Forget it, we’re not going there with that amendment’" (K.C. STAR, 3/15). In K.C., Jason Hancock notes if the proposed amendment is approved in the House, it would "bypass Gov. Jay Nixon's veto and go to a statewide vote later this year." K.C. Manager Troy Schulte said, "We’ve heard from the NCAA. There’s been some conversations with the Big 12. We’ve had some contacts with the figure skating association." Hancock notes the U.S. Figure Skating Championships are scheduled for Jan. 14-22 at Sprint Center. K.C. also is slated to host the Big 12 men’s basketball tournament for the next four years (K.C. STAR, 3/15).

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