INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — An Indiana House committee chairwoman says she’s shelved her legislation that would set standards for faith-based child care centers.

Indianapolis Democratic Rep. Vanessa Summers chairs the Family, Children and Human Affairs Committee. She postponed a hearing on the bill last week, saying she had become the target of a smear campaign by opponents of the bill who rallied even her own pastors against her and accused her of being an atheist.

She said then that she might having a hearing on the bill this week, but that’s no longer the case. She said Tuesday the bill won’t go forward during the short legislative session because the issue is too contentious.

Summers said she plans to bring the bill back next year during the long legislative session.

Posted 1/27/2010