Religious liberty bill passes Georgia state legislature (Another win for homophobia!) [View all]
A religious freedom bill described by opponents as being discriminatory against same-sex couples passed the Georgia state legislature on Wednesday night in an 11th hour vote ahead of the session's close.
The legislation, dubbed the Religious Liberty Bill, still has to be signed by Georgia's Republican Governor Nathan Deal to become law. Deal has made clear that he will not sign a bill that allows discrimination, but his office did not immediately respond to request for comment on Wednesday night.
Similar bills in states like Indiana and Arkansas sparked storms of criticism last year, forcing many lawmakers to retreat from the provisions.
The Georgia bill, reworked several times by lawmakers amid criticism that earlier versions went too far, declares that no pastor can be forced to perform a same-sex wedding.
The bill also grants faith-based organizations – churches, religious schools or associations - the right to reject holding events for people or groups of whom they object. Faith-based groups also could not be forced to hire or retain an employee whose beliefs run counter to the organization's.
Opponents say the bill could be used to deny services and discriminate against same-sex couples.
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Yet one more reminder, gay people are "fair" game. Thought the Supreme Court decision declaring marriage equality was the "end"?
IT WASN'T!
Incidentally, Georgia also does not...again...DOES NOT protect GBLT in housing or employment. It is legal to deny housing or employment based on sexual orientation. The state also is NOT inclusive of sexual orientation or gender identity in state hate crimes law.
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