RICHMOND, Va. (CBSDC/AP) — The Senate has rejected a proposal to allow localities to decide whether to allow hunting on Sundays.

Sen. Richard Stuart, State Senator from the 28th District, offered the local option Wednesday as an amendment to legislation to allow Sunday hunting on private property statewide. The bill will be up for a final Senate vote Thursday.

Sen. Emmett Hanger spoke in favor of the amendment, saying it recognizes cultural differences that exist in various regions. But Sen. Frank Wagner opposed it. He said government has no business telling people what they can and cannot do on their own property.

The Senate voted 25-14 to support the bill as reported by a committee, which foreclosed a vote on Stuart’s amendment.

Senators did make one change, passing an amendment to prohibit hunting within 250 yards of a church.

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