The Latest

by Wes Sanders

Opinion: Religious, LGBTQ rights don’t have to conflict

published by the Atlanta Journal Constitution on April 19, 2022

An open letter to Georgia residents:

As citizens and leaders in the state of Georgia, we write in support of non-discrimination legislation that protects all people, including LGBTQ people, from discrimination in employment, housing and public accommodations, while also protecting important religious rights.

No one should be denied these protections based on their sexual orientation or gender identity; and likewise religious persons and institutions should be protected in practicing their faith. We believe that we are all children of a loving God who has commanded us to love each other. We are also Americans with a long tradition of figuring out how to get along despite deep differences.

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by abryant

Georgia Equality Releases First Round of Endorsements for 2022 Primary & Nonpartisan Races

The Board of Directors of Georgia Equality, the state’s largest advocacy organization for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) Georgians and allies, is proud to announce its first round of endorsements in primary and nonpartisan races for the upcoming 2022 election cycle. 

“We have just concluded an historic legislative session for LGBTQ Georgians, and we know better than ever that if our movement toward full equality in Georgia is to continue to see success, it is imperative that LGBTQ Georgians and our allies are represented at all levels of government.  It is vital for us to support and elect officials who are guided by a fundamental belief in LGBTQ equality and aren’t afraid to stand up and say so ” said Jeff Graham, executive director at Georgia Equality.

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by Wes Sanders

we held them off until the very end.

After midnight last night, in the waning minutes of the legislative session and while many Georgians slept, the Georgia legislature passed a bill establishing an oversight committee to determine whether or not transgender girls should be able to compete in school sports in Georgia. The legislature spent significant time and effort this session to address the mental health crisis in Georgia, yet took swift action that walks back this good by caving into political pressure from Governor Kemp to join him in his goal of bullying transgender youth.

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by Wes Sanders

Update: 2,500 Georgians help BLOCK ‘Don’t Say Gay’ bill


Late last night, the state legislature finished its 28th legislative day, or Crossover Day — and I’ve got good news. Because SB 613, the “Don’t Say Gay” bill, was not voted on by the full Senate, it is dead for the year!

 

Since it was filed 5 days ago, over 2,500 Georgians sent messages to their State Senator to stop this bill. I want to say a special THANK YOU to each person who sent a message and shared it with your community. We did this.

 

In all, SEVEN anti-LGBTQ bills were filed during the 2021-2022 legislative session, and now, we’ve stopped all of them but one — SB 435 (the trans athlete ban). We will continue to monitor the work of the General Assembly to make sure the language of SB 613 doesn’t resurrect, and to stop SB 435 once and for all.

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by Wes Sanders

Action Alert: Urge your State Senator to OPPOSE SB 613

Senate Bill 613, the “Don’t Say Gay” bill was introduced in the Georgia State Senate today. This dangerous bill is meant to stigmatize LGBTQ people, isolate LGBTQ kids, and make teachers fearful of providing a safe, inclusive classroom. It must be stopped –Send a message to your State Senator, RIGHT NOW, and urge them to oppose SB 613! 

SEND YOUR MESSAGE NOW

This bill would stifle the full inclus Continue reading →