Governor says changes in works on religious exemptions bill

ATLANTA (AP) Georgia's governor says he's still working with legislative leaders on a bill exempting opponents of same-sex marriage from government penalty for declining to serve gay couples.

Gov. Nathan Deal indicated that changes to the bill are coming at a Monday event touting the state's film and television industry, declining to say whether he supports the bill passed Friday by the state Senate.

The bill, as approved by the Senate, allows individuals and faith-based organizations to decline service to couples based on religious beliefs about marriage.

The Senate's passage sent the bill back to the Georgia House.

The state's business community, including the influential Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce, has opposed the bill approved by senators. They warn it will be interpreted as discriminatory and harm the state's economy.