TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — The American Civil Liberties Union and other critics say a legislative proposal in Kansas aimed at helping campus religious groups would force state colleges to financially support discrimination.

The ACLU, Equality Kansas, Mainstream Coalition, National Organization for Women and Americans United for Separation of Church and State had a news conference Wednesday to decry the measure.

The bill would prohibit state colleges from refusing to recognize or provide resources to groups for requiring leaders or members to profess certain religious beliefs or adhere to a faith-based code of conduct.

The Senate passed the measure last month.

House Majority Leader Jene Vickrey called it a common-sense bill.

But the critics said the measure would give groups a right to public financial support even if they discriminate based on race or gender.