Ultra-conservative Kansas House member not running again

Topeka, Kan. (AP) — One of the Kansas Legislature's leading social conservatives isn't seeking re-election this year.

Olathe Republican and state House member Lance Kinzer announced on his website Friday that he would not seek a sixth, two-year term. Kinzer is the House Judiciary Committee's chairman.

He has been among the Legislature's most vocal opponents of abortion and gay rights.

In recent years, he's helped draft new abortion restrictions. He's backed what supporters call religious freedom measures to protect individuals and groups who have moral objections to gay marriage and same-sex relationships. He also authored an unsuccessful bill to ban local governments from establishing domestic partner registries.

Kinzer was first elected to the House in 2004.

In his statement, Kinzer said he first decided in December 2012 not to run again.

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The Gayly – May 31, 2014 @ 1:15pm