Native Americans say a new indoor-smoking ban in Colorado may violate their religious freedom rights by effectively prohibiting ceremonies like sweat-lodge rites, the Associated Press reported April 18.

Rep. Mike May, the minority leader in the Colorado House of Representatives and the lead sponsor of the measure, said the ban may have to be amended to address the religious concerns. Some worry that reopening discussions about exemptions to the law could trigger a broader debate on the hard-fought measure; an exemption for casinos has been especially contentious.

"If our bill has stepped on somebody's religious freedoms, then we need to fix it," said May. The bill was passed last month, and takes effect July 1.

May said he would use legislative rules to avoid a wider battle over the bill. Bar and tavern owners are already planning legal action over the casino exemption.