Several lawmakers call for veto of 'religious freedom' bill
ATLANTA - A group of five state lawmakers, including three who are openly gay, urged the Governor to veto the controversial "religious freedom" bill on Monday.
"I am personally offended. This bill directly impacts my family and I," said Rep. Keisha Waites, D-Atlanta, in a news conference at the state capitol.
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Legislators approved House Bill 757, the "Free Exercise Protection Act," last Wednesday after hours of negotiations.
"I feel good about what we've got here," Rep. Randy Nix, R-LaGrange, said on the House floor during the debate. "I think this bill has addressed as fairly as we can that very strong passion that I have that says, 'I don't want to participate in that gay marriage.'"
HB 757 protects religious leaders from having to perform marriage ceremonies or other rites which conflict with their religious beliefs. The bill also shields faith-based organizations from being required to offer social, educational and charitable services to people in violation of their religious views or employ people whose religious practices are not in line with theirs.
The bill also includes anti-discrimination language, which supporters believe strikes a fair balance between protecting religion and protecting the rights of other Georgians.
Opponents, however, maintain the legislation legalizes discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people.
"I am sure that the State of Georgia is better than this," said Rep. Park Cannon, D-Atlanta. "This bill will only throw us off course and keep us from social and economic growth."
Governor Nathan Deal has said publicly that he would not support any legislation that allowed for discrimination, but he has not weighed in on whether he would sign this version of the bill.