Georgia Senate approves special protection for gun industry

ATLANTA (AP) - The Georgia Senate has approved a bill to prevent financial institutions from refusing services to legal gun or ammunition sellers.

The measure sponsored by state Sen. Jesse Stone, a Republican from Waynesboro, passed 39 votes to 16 votes and split by party.

Democrats tried to amend the bill on the floor to also prevent financial institutions from refusing service based on race, religion, nationality, gender, sexual orientation or gender identity but the effort failed.

A gun industry trade association is pushing for such laws in a handful of states. Opponents say the measures create new protection for one industry.

The bill now goes to the Georgia House for review.