Today, the House Judiciary Subcommittee held a hearing on the so-called Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA).

The good news? The committee did not vote to advance this “license to discriminate” bill to the House floor.

The bad news? They still can. And they very well might cast a vote tomorrow.

With just a little over a week before the Georgia General Assembly adjourns for the year, we have to keep showing lawmakers that we’re watching this bill closely—and that the people of Georgia are united in strong opposition to this mean-spirited legislation. Click here to urge your Representative to vote NO on RFRA.

After today’s very important subcommittee hearing, nothing has changed. This bill will still cause unintended consequences for all Georgians, where a police officer could refuse to work an event associated with a cause he disagrees with or a high school guidance counselor could refuse to help a student struggling to come to terms with his sexual orientation.

With no amendments added to lessen the harms, if passed into law, this bill will still give Georgia a black eye and hurt our economy. States like West Virginia and Arizona all firmly rejected similar bills. Georgia would be wise to follow suit.

So in the week ahead, we’ll continue to communicate our vision for Georgia’s future: we want to keep in place existing protections for religious freedom and ensure all people are protected from discrimination.

But for now we must show our elected leaders that if they pass this bill, they will be putting Georgia’s reputation at stake. Click here to take action now.

The so-called Religious Freedom Restoration Acts could have real consequences for the people of Georgia. If passed into law, RFRA could allow individuals and private businesses to ignore any laws that they claim conflict with their religious beliefs including non-discrimination laws.

In states that have already passed RFRA, individuals used this law to claim that laws protecting against child abuse, medical access, discrimination against LGBT people, domestic violence and public safety didn’t apply to them because they were in violation of their religious beliefs.

For instance, in Utah, two members of a fundamentalist offshoot of the Mormon faith testified in a Salt Lake City courtroom that their church doctrine barred them from speaking about suspected child labor violations on their pecan farm.

Federal authorities stated that in 2012, group leaders left phone messages for members telling up to 1,400 children to take off of school to help harvest pecans along the Utah-Arizona border. The two brothers, Nephi and Lyle Jeffs, were taken to court.

“I feel like I would be breaking confidences if I discuss the workings of the church,” said Nephi Jeffs.

The judge, US District Judge David Sam, decided their religious beliefs were legitimate on the grounds of the RFRA in their state.

These children should be learning in school to build the future of America, not working illegally on a pecan farm. Thanks to RFRA, an injustice that was resolved distantly in the past has been brought back in Utah.

Then in Michigan, a pediatrician refused to treat a lesbian couple’s six-day-old baby. Jami and Krista Contreras were sitting in the waiting room, when the pediatrician told them that after “much prayer,” she decided that she could not treat their baby because they are lesbians.

This pediatrician was able to refuse this child on the grounds of the state’s RFRA law. Krista wrote about the incident in a Facebook post, saying that the pediatrician “was well aware that we were lesbian moms. We canceled meetings with other pediatricians because we were happy with her. Now our little girl was six days old, and we were in a room with a doctor we have never met, feeling pretty humiliated, distraught and hurt.”

Along with members of the LGBT community being refused medical care, cities that pass RFRA will negate non-discrimination ordinances in these cities, like Atlanta, that protect workers from being fired, denied housing, or refused service, because they are gay or transgender. LGBT people work hard to earn and living and find a place to settle down and spend their lives, just like everyone else. We can all agree that is a value that should be lived out in Georgia.

But it doesn’t stop there. In certain instances, individuals have used state RFRA laws to justify abusing their family members. An advocate against domestic violence wrote “Too often in our history, religion has been used as a justification for the abuse of women and children, often by family members.”

Public safety is a concern for us all. Feeling safe in our home state is one of the many reasons why we stay in Georgia to raise families and build a career, and it could be jeopardized by the passage of RFRA.

In Oklahoma, a police officer cited RFRA as his reason to not to report to a community event hosted by a local Islamic Society. Government authorities could use religion to not face many issues like this that are vital to our safety.

The bottom line is that passing RFRA in Georgia would have extremely negative unintended consequences for the community, and would jeopardize the current standard of living we currently enjoy in this state. Join us in fighting RFRA, because without your help, lawmakers will allow this legislation to become a reality.

Mark your calendar. Because on Tuesday, the House Judiciary Subcommittee is holding a hearing on the so-called Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA).

We only have a matter of days to make our elected leaders know that this bill could open the floodgates to discrimination in Georgia by giving individuals and businesses the ability to ignore any law—including non-discrimination laws—in the name of religious freedom.

And the message seems to be getting through. Because just yesterday, House Speaker David Ralston questioned if RFRA is needed at all and raised the same concerns we’ve been raising all along—that “closing the door to anyone is closing the door to all.”

Before, passing RFRA was seen as a done deal. But now, thanks to the hardwork supporters like you have put into this campaign, this misguided bill is hanging by a thread.

So with little time to spare, help us make sure RFRA is defeated once and for all before Tuesday’s critical committee hearing. Click here to tell your Representative to vote NO on a “license to discriminate” in Georgia.

Tuesday’s hearing is the most important we’ve faced yet. With only a little over a week left in the legislative session—what happens in committee will determine if we can stop this bill in time.

With statements like Speaker Ralston’s we know our continued pressure is working. But our opposition is hitting back hard, pulling out every dirty trick in the book to get this bill passed into law.

So help us push harder. Your elected leaders are waiting to hear from you before Tuesday’s committee hearing on RFRA. Click here to urge your Representative to oppose a “license to discriminate” against LGBT Georgians.

Georgia Unites Against Discrimination is running a full-page ad today, March 18, in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution urging members of the House to oppose SB 129, the so-called Religious Freedom Restoration Act.

The full-page ad describes that Senate Bill 129 “will give businesses and individuals a license to discriminate against anyone they don’t like.” Some of the harms that could result if this bill passes include a public high school counselor turning away a student struggling with his or her sexual orientation and a hospital refusing to treat the child of a same-sex couple.

The ad states that the freedom of religion, one of our most fundamental rights, is already protected in the state and federal constitutions. But that freedom does not give any of us the right to discriminate against others.

In bold, the ad emphasizes that “The passage of SB 129 will send a loud message across the country that Georgia is an unwelcoming place.”

Signers of the ad include the nation’s leading organizations advocating on behalf of LGBT people: GLAAD, Human Rights Campaign, NGLCC, ACLU, Believe Out Loud, BiNet USA, Bisexual Resource Center, Center for Black Equity, Center Link, Consortium, Equality Federation, Family Equality Council, GLSEN, GLMA, IGLHRC, Marriage Equality USA, MAP, National Center for Transgender Equality, NBJC, NCAVP, National Minority AIDS Council, NQAPIA, Out & Equal, Pride at Work, Sage and TPOCC.

By placing an ad in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, which has a readership of over 1.4 million in print, we are sure to influence many Georgians who increasingly are growing concerned with this mean-spirited and discriminatory law.

Check out the ad in the March 18 edition of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution!

On Tuesday, March 18, around 200 opponents of the so-called Religious Freedom Restoration Act, legislation proposed that could allow religion to allow individuals and businesses to use religion as an excuse to discriminate against gay and transgender Georgians, gathered at Liberty Plaza near the state Capitol for a rally.

Faith leaders and business owners spoke at the rally, but the most surprising speaker was Rabbi Joshua Heller of Congregation B’nai Torah in Sandy Springs, who leads one of the largest and most conservative synagogues in Georgia. Rabbi Heller could be one of the most compelling faith leaders yet to oppose the bill. His words, thoughtful and transcendent, speak volumes about the separation of faith and business, and why gay and transgender Georgians deserve to be protected under the law. His words are as follows:

Opposing words from such a distinguished faith leader could have a strong impact on building opposition to RFRA. Rabbi Heller’s words reflect the strong faith tradition of the Golden Rule—that we should do unto others as we would have them do unto us.

That was incredible.

Earlier today, we wrapped up a rally at the Georgia State Capitol, urging our elected leaders to vote NO on the so-called Religious Freedom Restoration Act—a bill that will allow individuals and businesses the ability to ignore any law, including non-discrimination laws, in the name of religious freedom.

Together, we demonstrated an incredible show of force when hundreds of fair-minded Georgians took to the streets to make our collective voices heard. Now, your elected leaders need to hear from you.

Click here to urge your Representative to vote no on the “license to discriminate” RFRA bill.

Last week, when we got word that House Speaker David Ralston was getting inundated with calls in support of a license to discriminate, our supporters took immediate action and flooded his office with calls urging him to oppose this mean-spirited and discriminatory bill.

And our pressure is working. Because now Speaker Ralston, who was formerly a strong supporter of the bill, has begun to question whether there is any reason to pass this “license to discriminate” bill at all.

Our elected leaders are wavering—and our movement is stronger than it’s ever been. Help us build on this momentum and defeat RFRA once and for all.

With just a few short weeks before the Georgia General Assembly adjourns, we need to make our voices loud and clear: the people of Georgia will not stand for discrimination. Click here to take action now.

Today, we showed our lawmakers that Georgians are united against this dangerous and discriminatory bill. Let’s keep pushing forward.

You can also take your action to the next level. Join us in Atlanta this Thursday for a phone bank to help mobilize Georgians to defeat RFRA. Click here to RSVP.

Tomorrow, hundreds of Georgians from across the state will gather in Atlanta to voice their opposition to the so-called Religious Freedom Restoration Act.

We need you there.
 
If you believe that no Georgian should face discrimination because of who they are or whom they love, join us tomorrow in Liberty Plaza at the Georgia State Capitol at noon to rally to defeat RFRA. Click here to say you’ll be there.

WHO: Concerned Georgians who stand against discrimination
WHAT: A rally to defeat RFRA once and for all
WHERE: Liberty Plaza at the Georgia State Capitol
      Capitol Ave SW, Atlanta, GA 30334
WHEN: Tuesday, March 17th, Noon – 1:00 pm
 
Friend, I can’t stress enough how dangerous this bill is. Because not only will it allow individuals and businesses to use their religious beliefs to justify discriminating against others, according to an article in the Daily Beast, RFRA could make it easier for people to get away with domestic violence and child abuse.
 
This is no joke—RFRA is a dangerous bill that will turn the rule of law on its head.
 
We simply cannot risk the very grave consequences if this bill is signed into law. That’s why we need Georgians from across the state to join us tomorrow in Atlanta to speak out against RFRA. Can you make it? Click here to RSVP.

We need your help right now.

We just got word that Rep. David Ralston—the Speaker of the House—is getting slammed with calls urging him to support the so-called Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA).

Just yesterday, Speaker Ralston said he wasn’t convinced that the “license to discriminate” RFRA bill was a good idea. Now, our opponents will stop at nothing to urge him to push forward this dangerous bill.

We can’t let them speak for all Georgians. The Speaker needs to hear from you and he needs to hear from you now. Dial 404-656-5020 and urge Speaker Ralston to oppose RFRA—then let us know how your call went.

The fact that the Speaker is even wavering in his support for this bill means our pressure is working. Every call, every email—they’re making the case to our legislative leaders that Georgians overwhelmingly oppose this bill.

But already today, the Speaker has received hundreds of phone calls urging him to support RFRA. If we want to stop this bill, we have to match them call-for-call today.

Dial 404-656-5020 now and urge Speaker Ralston to oppose a “license to discriminate” against LGBT Georgians. Then click here to let us know you called.

Elton John—yes, the world-renowned pop star—rejected the proposed so-called Religious Freedom Restoration Act today in an opinion post, stating that the proposed legislation encourages discrimination under the guise of religious freedom.

He began by describing the organization he founded, the Elton John AIDS Foundation, to fight the stereotypes and stigma around AIDS, as well as provides support for those fighting AIDS.

John said that Georgia has come a long way through the years in terms of AIDS support, but there is still work to be done. The rates of AIDS among gay and transgender people of color and of low income remains disproportionately high.

Passing the proposed RFRA would be a step backward, neutralizing all past efforts made to accept gay and transgender Georgians.

In his Op-Ed, John starts by arguing that this bill is not even needed because religious freedom is already protected.

“Simply put, this bill is a wolf in sheep’s clothing. It promises religious freedom, but let’s be clear: no one’s religious freedom is at risk! Both the Georgia Constitution and US Constitution very explicitly protect this right.

“I firmly believe in freedom of religion. Everyone has the right to worship as they choose. But I also believe in justice, equality and the rule of law. We can’t just let people refuse to follow a law because they don’t like it. And we can’t just grant special exemptions that allow people to discriminate at will.”

John encourages Georgians to exercise their freedom of speech and write to their legislators to fight Senate Bill 129 that has already passed in the Senate and now is making its way through the House.

All Georgians deserve a right to earn a living, live in a home and provide for their families no matter their sexual orientation or gender identity.

“No one should be discriminated against because of who he is, or what he looks like, or because of a disease he happens to have. We cannot afford to turn back the clock as we fight for an AIDS-free future in Georgia, across the country and around the world.”

This could be it—Our last chance to stop the so-called Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) once and for all.
 
The consequences are huge: If we don’t stop this bill, any person or business could ignore any law—including nondiscrimination laws against LGBT Georgians—under the guise of religious freedom.
 
With just a matter of days left before this legislative session adjourns, we absolutely must pull out all the stops if we’re going to defeat this bill in the House.
 
So on March 17th, we’re rallying at the Georgia State Capitol to show that the people of Georgia will not sit idly by as our elected leaders try to pass this “license to discriminate” bill into law.
 
Will you join us? Click here to say you’ll rally with us to stop the “license to discriminate” RFRA bill.

WHO: Concerned Georgians who stand against discrimination
WHAT: A rally to defeat RFRA once and for all
WHERE: Liberty Plaza at the Georgia State Capitol
               Capitol Ave SW
               Atlanta, GA 30334
WHEN: Tuesday, March 17th, Noon – 1:00 pm
 
Our opponents have been relentless—friend. They’ve flooded the Statehouse numerous times this year, urging Georgia lawmakers to walk down what would be a new dark chapter for our state.
 
So we need to be louder. We need to make our collective voices heard: The people of Georgia stand united in opposition to this discriminatory bill!
 
Join us next Tuesday, March 17th for a rally at Liberty Plaza at the Georgia State Capitol. Click here to RSVP.

A deafening silence.

So far, thousands of Georgians have made their voice heard in opposition to the so-called Religious Freedom Restoration Act—a bill that could grant individuals and businesses a “license to discriminate” against LGBT Georgians under the guise of religious beliefs.

But one key player in Georgia has been eerily silent: AT&T.

Does AT&T think its okay for healthcare providers to deny service to a lesbian couple with a newborn child? No? Then why aren’t they speaking out against this license to discriminate bill—when just several weeks ago, this same law was cited as an excuse to deny service to a lesbian couple and their newborn daughter.

AT&T has had long enough to weigh in. It’s time they speak out now. Click here to tweet at @ATT and urge them to publicly speak out against RFRA now!

Last year, we were able to defeat RFRA in the Senate—in large part because the business community spoke out about the serious economic consequences that would result if this bill was passed into law.

But now that the Senate passed the so-called Religious Freedom Restoration Act late last week, we’re running out of time for businesses to raise their voice before this bill becomes law.

Hundreds of Georgians have already emailed Ralph de la Vega, the CEO and President of AT&T Mobile, urging AT&T to take a public stand against RFRA. But every day that AT&T fails to speak up, their silence grows even more damaging.

Click here to tweet at AT&T if you agree that as a major employer in the state, they must speak out against this bill that could lead to discrimination against their own employees.

Want to take action but you don’t have Twitter? Click here to send an email message to Ralph de la Vega, the CEO and President of AT&T Mobile.

Today, the Georgia Senate stood on the wrong side of history by passing the so-called Religious Freedom Restoration Act—a bill that seeks to allow individuals and businesses an excuse to ignore any law in the name of “religious freedom,” including non-discrimination, domestic violence and child welfare laws.

The Senate’s vote flies in the face of a majority of Georgians who believe discrimination is wrong. Now, our focus shifts to the House—which is our last chance to stop this dangerous bill before it becomes law.

So right now, let’s make sure members of the House know the people of Georgia overwhelmingly oppose RFRA. Click here to send a message urging your Representative to vote NO.

As our elected leaders play political football with this misguided bill, they’re not only putting gay and transgender Georgians at risk—they’re putting Georgia’s future in jeopardy. RFRA will harm Georgia’s ability to attract top talent, and if it passes, it would undoubtedly stunt our state’s economic growth.

I know it’s frustrating to see the Senate pass this bill today, but we always knew the Senate would be a tough fight. But in the face of setbacks like today, it’s crucial that we remain committed to the goal: Stopping RFRA—which we can and will do in the House.

Our opponents are working around the clock to pass this bill into law—so we need to work harder. Join thousands of Georgians who have already urged their representatives to oppose the so-called Religious Freedom Restoration Act.

Thank you for making your voice heard.

This is it: The Georgia Senate will vote on the “license to discriminate” RFRA bill tomorrow.

If we want to stop this dangerous bill in the Senate, we have less than 24 hours to do it—so right now, it’s time to kick our campaign into overdrive before tomorrow’s decisive vote.

We have to pull out all the stops to defeat RFRA in the Senate tomorrow. So what are you waiting for? Your Senator needs to hear from you now. Click here to send an urgent message to your legislators telling them to vote NO on this “license to discriminate” bill.

Yesterday, our opponents rallied in the State Capitol in support of this mean-spirited and discriminatory bill. They want our elected leaders to think that a majority of Georgians support this bill. But you and I both know: We don’t.

But if we fail to make our voices heard, our opponents will drown us out. We can’t let their misguided rally cries from yesterday be the last thing our lawmakers hear before they vote. Your legislators need to hear from you—and they need to hear from you now.

With the Senate set to vote tomorrow, this is the biggest challenge this campaign has faced yet. Click here to rush a message to your State Senator and tell them to vote NO on RFRA—a bill that will open the doors to discrimination in Georgia.

Then tomorrow in Atlanta, we’re hosting a phone bank to connect constituents in key priority districts with their respective legislators. We could really use your help to reach out to as many Georgians as possible before this crucial vote. Click here to join us tomorrow at 6PM.

Because every second counts when a right-to-discriminate bill that will harm real Georgia families is on the line.

Rev. John C. “Trey” Lyon III is a Community Pastor at Park Avenue Baptist Church in Atlanta, and today is joining more than 200 faith leaders who are speaking out against the “license to discriminate” RFRA bill.

Today in Atlanta, some religious leaders are rallying to pass the so-called Religious Freedom Restoration Act—a bill that would open the doors to discrimination in Georgia.

They want to claim that they speak for all religious leaders and people of faith in Georgia. I’m here to tell you: they don’t.

We must show our elected leaders that those protesting in Atlanta today do not speak for all faithful people in Georgia. That’s why we’re calling on all people of faith in Georgia to take a stand against discrimination now.

Will you send a message to your representatives and urge them to oppose this “license to discriminate” bill today? Click here to add your voice now.

As an ordained Baptist minister, I cannot help but recall the work of another famous Georgia Baptist who was famously denied service at the Magnolia Tea Room at the old Rich’s department store downtown. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. sought through peaceful protest to expose the hypocrisy of legislation that discriminated against other humans—and was passed and preserved by others claiming to follow the way of Christ.

Today religious leaders seek to enshrine discrimination in legal statutes through the pushing of RFRA. As a follower of the way of Jesus, and as an ordained Baptist pastor, I implore you to preserve the sort of our spiritual forbearers, like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Say no to discrimination under the guise of religion and say yes to loving all of our neighbors throughout Georgia as we would love ourselves.

Click here to tell your elected leaders that as a person of faith in Georgia, you do not support the RFRA bill that seeks to use religion as an excuse to discriminate against others.

Thank you for your support and courageous leadership.