LITTLE ROCK — Arkansas state Senate Republicans are working on legislation to reinforce protections for churches, religious organizations and religious schools in response to last week's U.S. Supreme Court ruling legalizing gay marriage nationwide.

The caucus released a statement Thursday signed by all 24 Republican senators, saying it planned to draft legislation to address any unforeseen consequences of the ruling on the religious community.

Republican Sen. Eddie Joe Williams of Cabot said the caucus wants legislation ready in case Gov. Asa Hutchinson calls another special session.

House Republicans issued a similar statement Tuesday afternoon, affirming the caucus' desire to protect religious groups and calling the high court's decision "mistaken and dangerous." The lawmakers vowed to fight for "traditional" views and values, but didn't propose specific actions.

Hutchinson on Thursday afternoon said in a statement that he shares in the legislators' "concern and frustration with the Supreme Court's decision which is contrary to the expressed will of the Arkansas voter."

"It is important to note that it affects government action only," Hutchinson said in the statement. "It has no bearing on private individuals or institutions."

The governor went on to say that while he "is not aware of any legislation that would protect county clerks from the requirements of the ruling," he will ensure "the rights of pastors, religious institutions and private individuals to exercise their freedom of conscience" is protected.

Hutchison said he believes these rights are protected through the state's Religious Freedom Restoration Act passed earlier this year and that he will "determine what legislative action is needed to address the myriad of legal issues" from the ruling.