Pocket of Faith is a monthly newsletter directly geared towards the intersection of LGBTQ+ human rights and faith. We are proud to showcase this important subject, revealing that faith, religion, and LGBTQ+ rights co-exist in harmony and not in opposition.
Written by Jai Davis (they/them), faith organizer for Georgia Equality
How Do We Move Forward from Here? Understanding the Implications of SB 36 for Interfaith Leaders and Advocacy in Georgia
The passage of SB 36, Georgia’s Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA), has sparked significant controversy, particularly among those who view it as a vehicle for religious bias and discrimination. While its stated purpose is to protect religious practices from government interference, the reality is that the bill could be used to justify discrimination against marginalized communities—particularly LGBTQ+ individuals, racial minorities, and others who already face systemic inequalities.
SB 36 is framed as a safeguard for religious freedom, offering individuals and organizations the ability to refuse actions or services they claim would violate their religious beliefs. In theory, this would protect religious communities from government overreach. In practice, however, this law poses a serious threat to marginalized groups, as it could be used to justify refusal of service, denial of rights, and exclusion based on religious convictions.
For many interfaith leaders, this bill feels like a step backward—a legal tool that empowers religious bias rather than protecting religious freedom. Under SB 36, an individual or organization could refuse to provide goods, services, or employment to someone simply because of their identity—whether that be based on sexual orientation, gender identity, race, or other factors. This creates a dangerous precedent in which religious liberty is weaponized against the very communities that have been historically marginalized.
The Role of Interfaith Leaders: Moving Forward in the Face of Injustice
In this context, the question of “How do we move forward from here?” becomes one of resistance, advocacy, and accountability. Interfaith leaders have long been champions of both religious freedom and social justice, and now, more than ever, they must take a stand against policies that threaten the dignity and rights of vulnerable individuals.
1. Challenging Religious Bias and Discrimination
Moving forward, interfaith leaders must unambiguously speak out against the discriminatory nature of SB 36. We cannot allow religious freedom to be used as a shield for harm or exclusion. How do we create a framework in which religious freedom serves to heal and unify, rather than divide and harm? Interfaith communities should be vocal in calling out the potential misuse of this bill and demand that religious liberty be protected in a way that does not infringe upon the civil rights of others.
2. Amplifying the Voices of Marginalized Communities
As advocates for social justice, interfaith leaders must stand in solidarity with those most impacted by SB 36—particularly LGBTQ+ individuals, people of color, and others who face systemic oppression. By amplifying the voices and concerns of these communities, interfaith leaders can help ensure that their rights are not trampled under the guise of religious freedom.
This means actively working to prevent situations in which religious beliefs are used to justify harmful actions, such as refusing housing, healthcare, or services. How can we advocate for laws that protect the vulnerable, rather than enabling their marginalization? Moving forward, interfaith communities must ensure that the principles of equality and justice are upheld at every level.
3. Building Alliances with Civil Rights Organizations
Interfaith leaders cannot—and should not—take on this fight alone. Building coalitions with civil rights organizations, LGBTQ+ advocacy groups, and racial justice movements is essential to challenging the harmful effects of SB 36. By uniting diverse voices and working together, we can advocate for policies that protect everyone’s rights, regardless of their religious beliefs or personal identity.
How can we form strategic partnerships that elevate the collective call for justice, while ensuring that no one is left behind? This is the time for interfaith leaders to show their commitment to a broad, inclusive vision of equality that transcends faith boundaries.
4. Holding the State and Religious Institutions Accountable
As Georgia moves forward with SB 36, it is essential for interfaith leaders to remain vigilant, holding both religious institutions and the government accountable for any abuses or misapplications of the law. Religious communities should not be allowed to hide behind the language of “religious freedom” to harm others or perpetuate discrimination. How can we ensure that religious freedom is not misused, and that religious institutions uphold their responsibility to serve and uplift all people, especially those in need?
Interfaith leaders must advocate for clear guidelines on how SB 36 should be applied, ensuring that it does not create a legal loophole for discrimination. This could include pushing for legal reforms that prevent the law from being used as a tool of exclusion.
5. Using RFRA to Achieve Progressive Wins
While this law is a clear attempt to use religion to create a license to discriminate against our community and other marginalized communities, the reality is that it can be invoked by people of all faiths. There are countless supportive faith leaders and people of faith in Georgia whose faith does not align with exclusion and hate. We hope to see more of these faith communities utilize RFRA to achieve progressive wins that affirm freedom for ALL Georgians, including LGBTQ Georgians and people of faith who support our community.
Conclusion: Standing Together Against Injustice
The passage of SB 36 presents a significant challenge for interfaith communities in Georgia, forcing us to confront the darker side of religious freedom and its potential to be used as a justification for harm. As interfaith leaders, we must ask ourselves: How do we move forward from here? The answer lies in standing firmly against religious bias, advocating for justice, and amplifying the voices of marginalized communities who will bear the brunt of this law’s impact.
This is a time for solidarity, for calling out injustice, and for ensuring that the principles of equality, compassion, and dignity remain at the heart of our advocacy. Moving forward, interfaith leaders must unite, not just to protect religious freedom, but to protect the rights and humanity of all people—regardless of their identity, background, or beliefs.
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