ST. LOUIS (AP) – Top executives from some of the St. Louis area’s largest companies say Missouri’s proposed religious freedom bill could have a devastating impact on the state’s economy.

Leaders from Monsanto, MasterCard and other firms joined Gov. Jay Nixon Friday at the St. Louis Regional Chamber to express opposition to Senate Joint Resolution 39. The bill survived a 37-hour filibuster by Senate Democrats.

If approved by the Legislature, it would go to voters.

The proposal calls for amending the state Constitution to create religious protections for some businesses objecting to gay marriage.

The Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry announced its opposition to the bill Thursday.

Republican sponsor Sen. Bob Onder, of Lake St. Louis, has disputed claims that the measure could hurt business.