AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) — The Maine House has overwhelmingly rejected legislation differentiating corporations from people when it comes to constitutional rights.

Opponents said Wednesday that the bill, which is linked to the debate over water extraction, is obviously unconstitutional. Supporters sought to frame the issue as one that will be coming up more often as citizens try to affirm their basic rights against those of large corporations.

The Portland Press Herald said lawmakers voted 124-23 to accept the “ought not to pass” report by the State and Local Government Committee.