Rev. Duncan Teague speaks out against the “license to discriminate” bill in Georgia.

As a newly ordained minister, I believe that we are all God’s children and that we should treat others fairly, equally and with respect. That’s why I have spoken out forcefully against the so-called Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA), because I believe it will open the doors to discrimination in Georgia.

A vocal contingent of faith leaders are trying to claim that this issue is about religious liberty, but you and I know what this is really about—an attempt to make it easier for individuals and businesses to use their religion as an excuse to discriminate against our gay and transgender neighbors.

I am calling on fellow faith leaders and people of various faiths to help us push back to show lawmakers that supporters of this discriminatory bill do not speak for the entire faith community of Georgia.

Are you a faith leader who is tired of religious freedom being used as a justification to discriminate against others? Click here to join me and nearly 200 faith leaders who have signed on to a letter expressing our opposition to RFRA.

Or, are you a person of faith who believes that we should treat others like we would want to be treated? Click here to join faithful Georgians who oppose this “license to discriminate” bill.

This issue hits close to home friend. Because not only am I a faith leader, but as an African American gay man, I know all too well how this law can be used and abused to harm others.

As Americans, religious freedom is one of our most fundamental rights. That’s why it’s already protected in the federal and state constitution.

This law is truly a license to discriminate law packaged as a religious freedom law. As faith leaders and people of faith, we need to join together now and loudly declare: “not in our name.”

Will you join me in highlighting the wide cross-section of faith traditions from across our state, their leaders and their adherents who stand united in opposition to this bill?

Together, we will be able to show that the Georgia faithful will not stand for discrimination.

Thank you for all that you do and have done.

Former Georgia Republican Attorney General Michael Bowers held a press conference today in Atlanta announcing his strong opposition to the proposed “license to discriminate” Religious Freedom Restoration Act.

In his legal analysis, his three main points were as follows: the proposed RFRA authorizes discrimination, makes every person or private business the unilateral arbiter of the law and destroys uniformity of the law, ushering in uncertainty for those bound by and those enforcing the law.

He said the bill is “unequivocally an excuse to discriminate….[P]ermitting citizens to opt-out of laws because of a so-called burden on the exercise of religion in effect ‘would permit every citizen to become a law unto himself.’”

The proposed RFRA entails government overstepping its bounds, allowing people and private businesses the autonomy to disobey any law they claim conflicts with their religious beliefs. Bowers presented an example of a Muslim city clerk who refused to issue a marriage license to a heterosexual couple because one partner was Muslim and the other was of a different religion. Bowers said it could take decades to sort out the legal chaos that would ensue.

Bowers raised the point that there is absolutely no way that the bill did not come about in the wake of the freedom to marry movement, and that “the proposed RFRA is nothing more than an effort to legalize discrimination against disfavored groups.”

Bowers concluded with this statement:

“It is not just bad public policy; it is ill-conceived, unnecessary, mean-spirited, and deserving of a swift death in the General Assembly.”

Bowers recognized that he had a change of heart through the years about his views on discrimination, but that he is now ready to fight if the bill passes.

Michael Bowers, former Republican Attorney General and prominent voice in Georgia politics, will speak on Tuesday against House Bill 218 and Senate Bill 129 that would grant individuals and businesses a “license to discriminate” against gay and transgender Georgians.

Excerpts of Bowers’ script for Tuesday have been pre-released, and the former Attorney General takes a firm stance against the so-called Religious Freedom Restoration Act:

“First, I believe if enacted into law this legislation will be an excuse to practice invidious discrimination.

“Second, if enacted, the proposed [measures] will permit everyone to become a law unto themselves in terms of deciding what laws they will or will not obey, based on whatever religious tenets they may profess or create at any given time. The potential intended and unintended consequences are alarming.”

Bowers fears that the religious exemption will be too broad, re-opening discussion on antiquated laws that remain peculiar in the South, and could even go as far as encouraging participation in radical hate groups.

Although Bowers is well known for upholding anti-gay sodomy laws in the Supreme Court’s 1986 Bowers v. Hardwick decision when he was Attorney General, his current stance against religious exemption bills could show a change of heart—and is a true testament to the bipartisan opposition to this dangerous legislation. We’re grateful that AG Bowers is standing with the majority of Georgians who believe discrimination is wrong—period.

House Bill 218 has not yet received a hearing before the House Judiciary Committee, while the Senate Judiciary Committee tabled Senate Bill 129. Attorney General Bowers will address RFRA head on during a press conference at the Georgia State Capitol on Tuesday.

It’s working!

Yesterday, the so-called Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) was tabled during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing. As the hearing went on, it became abundantly clear that the bill’s sponsor, Senator McKoon, was losing support amongst his colleagues—both Republicans and Democrats alike—because he’s strong arming this poorly written, dangerous legislation through without enough consideration.

Now the bill is stalled temporarily, but this fight is far from over. Our opponents are still as motivated as ever to move this bill forward. And even though the bill was tabled, it could be brought up for a committee vote at any moment, as soon as next week.

Our pressure is working, so let’s keep up the momentum. Click here to contact your Senators and urge them to vote NO on RFRA—a bill that would allow a “license to discriminate” against LGBT Georgians.

During yesterday’s committee, things got heated when Senator McKoon refused to allow his colleague to introduce an amendment to ensure this poorly written bill would not be used to water down laws protecting children from abuse!

Outrageous. That it would even be a question that children should not be abused in the name of religious freedom should give anyone pause about the true consequences of this dangerous legislation.

But that’s not all. Because despite promises to the contrary, yesterday Senator McKoon reversed his position that companies should not have the right to discriminate, arguing instead that corporations should be allowed to deny service to people who are gay or transgender.

Last year—despite the odds—we successfully defeated this bill. After yesterday’s disastrous hearing, I know that if we keep up the momentum we can win in 2015 too.

Thanks for speaking out.

It’s really happening.


After the “license to discriminate” RFRA bill was introduced in the House last week, today a similar, mean-spirited bill was introduced in the Senate. Even more worrisome, it could be up for consideration by lawmakers at any moment.


Simply put: this bill is REALLY dangerous. As the language stands now, it would pave the way for business owners to refuse to provide services for people who are gay or transgender.


Your legislators need to hear from you now. Click here to contact members of the House and Senate and tell them that Georgia does not stand for discrimination.

Let’s make one thing clear—this law is not about religious freedom, a right that is protected in both the state and federal constitution.


This bill’s real intent is to give individuals and businesses an excuse to ignore critically important laws including those meant to protect against domestic violence, child abuse, and discrimination.


Last year we were able to defeat this same “license to discriminate” law by making the case to our legislators that everyone should be held to the same standard and no one should be above the law, particularly laws meant to help the common good.  But with this troubling bill now making its way through both chambers of the General Assembly, we need to make our voices louder.  


Tell your legislators now: No one should use their religion as an excuse to discriminate against others. Vote “No” on the so-called Religious Freedom Restoration Act today.


Together, we can keep Georgia a welcoming and open place to live.


Thank you for all that you do.

It’s hard to believe, but in Georgia, it’s perfectly legal to fire gay and transgender people because of who they are.

This year, some fringe lawmakers are trying to make this discrimination even easier by introducing a “license to discriminate bill”—but today, pro-equality legislators are pushing back.

Moments ago, a bipartisan coalition of elected officials, led by Rep. Karla Drenner (D-85) and Wendell Willard (R-51), introduced the Fair Employment Practices Act (FEPA)—legislation to prohibit discrimination against Georgia state employees on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity.

A record-breaking 77 members of the General Assembly—including 17 Republicans and 1 Independent—have already signed on as cosponsors of this historic legislation. Will you send a message thanking the cosponsors for taking a stand against discrimination?

Gay and transgender state employees make Georgia a better place for all of us to live. No dedicated public servant should have to live in fear that they could be fired from the state they work hard to serve for reasons that have nothing to do with their job performance.

Georgians value fairness. That’s why a strong majority of Georgians already believe discrimination is wrong. We believe employees should be judged on talent, qualifications and job performance—not on the basis of who they are or who they love.

Those are Georgia values—and now, it’s time for the laws of our state to get that much closer to reflecting the values of our people.

Send a message thanking the bipartisan cosponsors of the Fair Employment Practices Act for standing up for LGBT Georgians! Click here to say thanks now.

Never before has pro-equality legislation had such strong, bipartisan support in Georgia. This is history in the making.

Now let’s get to work and pass this bill.

Here we go: The so-called Religious Freedom Restoration Act has officially been assigned to the House Judiciary Committee, which means soon, Georgia lawmakers will consider and vote on this dangerous bill that would allow a “license to discriminate” against LGBT Georgians.

We need to move fast to let the committee know that we oppose this bill. Will you contact your lawmakers and urge them to oppose the Religious Freedom Restoration Act which could open the doors to discrimination in Georgia? Click here to take action now.

Our opponents are rallying in support of this bill and it could begin to move forward at any point in the next week.

We must show a united force of opposition to this bill before it’s too late. Click the link below to tell your representatives now to vote “No” on RFRA:

http://GAunites.org/Committee

Let’s show the state and the nation that Georgia doesn’t stand for discrimination.

Jonelle grew up in Birmingham, Alabama, but after 14 years in the Peach State, she now calls Georgia her home.

Today, she lives with her wife McKenzie right outside Atlanta in Sandy Springs and works in the healthcare administrator industry.

Jonelle is joining a growing chorus of voices who oppose the so-called Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA)—a harmful bill under consideration in the Georgia General Assembly that would allow individuals and businesses to use their religious beliefs to harm others. Like a growing number of Georgians, she fears that this bill will open the door for discrimination against real Georgians, including her own family.

“It feels silly to frame something as religious freedom and then to seek to limit the actions of others. It’s a slap in the face of faith and freedom to frame it that way.”

She adds, “I’m a woman of the South, and so I have to take the good with the bad. As a brown woman of the South, you know I definitely take it with the good and the bad. But I also see the potential. And I also think it’s a platform for some; a reason to say no, a reason to push back and a reason to limit someone’s options, dreams and desires.”

More so, Jonelle argues that pushing this mean-spirited legislation is a waste of time when our state legislators could be focusing on much more important issues currently facing Georgians, for instance, homelessness, community space, green space, important human needs such as these.

“I think some lawmakers are just wasting time on legislation like this when we could be doing other things. And if something like this can be defeated, perhaps, hopefully it will send a message that the South is not interested in this type of nonsense.”

If this legislation passes into law, the harmful repercussions could hit close to home—as it could allow individuals and businesses to ignore laws protecting gay and transgender people from discrimination, like Atlanta’s non-discrimination ordinance prohibiting discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity in employment, housing and public accommodations. And while Jonelle acknowledges that her family is grateful because she and her wife both work for companies with clear policies banning discrimination against LGBT employees, she knows that some of her friends are not so lucky.

“I know many people who do feel unsafe, who do feel threatened, who do have an actual threat of losing a job or losing their home—and for them I feel affected. But personally, I’m thankful that we are not directly affected by this gap in the system.”

But it shouldn’t come down to being thankful when we’re talking about basic, fundamental rights—and protection from discrimination and harm—that all Americans should be afforded.

“The ideal of American values is to be a welcoming landing pad for all kinds of people; independence, the freedom to try, opportunity for a second chance, reinvent yourself, to be successful. This bill would be anti-that… it would give a small portion the wherewithal to manage and discriminate.”

For Jonelle, it all comes down to one basic principle: Hardworking Georgians should be able to make a living and provide for their families. Workers should be judged on their ability to do their job—not based on who they are or who they love.

“You’re either qualified for the job or you’re not. You get to work and you do the job or you don’t. You either have a work ethic that fits the environment that you’re in or you don’t… I don’t think that becomes null and void for someone who just happens to be queer or non gender conforming.”

Jonelle adds, “My sexual orientation is a part, but not the only part of the many components of me. If I was a slack worker, if I didn’t meet my targets, then that’s another thing. It should have nothing to do with… who I choose to marry.”

If the anti-gay forces conspiring to pass this bill get their way and pass this “license to discriminate” bill, Jonelle argues that Georgia would be harmed because many incredible LGBT people would have to consider leaving the state they call home or not consider coming at all.

“We’d loose a great many intelligent and capable people who would not feel comfortable living in a state that passed such legislation; technical people, educators, families with same sex partners with children. This state can’t afford to lose anyone who is focused on trying to make Georgia better.”

“I would say, as a long term resident here who has given a lot to this city and someone who advocates on behalf of Atlanta, I feel it’s not worth the time. We could be doing so much more about habitual homelessness, children who do not eat regularly, our elders, making Georgia a whole sustainable state. But instead we have a section of this state who are keeping the mire going. It doesn’t look good nationally, or internationally. Is this really the image Georgia wants to portray?”

Reverend Cameron Trimble is a Minister, as well as the Executive Director and CEO for the Center for Progressive Renewal—an organization that works with churches from all across North America in order to start and renew congregations.

Born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia, Rev. Trimble lives with her partner Ann of 11 years. On describing her relationship, Trimble says, “It’s just as wonderful and just as boring as any other relationship. We’re a wonderfully comfortable old married couple who challenge and inspire each other every day.”

But while Rev. Trimble has very warm things to say about her home state of Georgia, she has become increasingly concerned with the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA)—a new piece of proposed legislation that if passed into law, would allow individuals and businesses to use their religious beliefs as a justification to discriminate.

“If you look at the original history of the bill, it was written to protect Native Americans in a particular context. And what we’re now seeing is a radical expansion and repurposing of the law that lays the groundwork for the majority of people to yield a weapon against the minorities. It changes a law that was intended to be a shield and turns it into a law that can be used as a weapon.”

Rev. Trimble is especially concerned that the so-called RFRA legislation was created to solve a problem that doesn’t actually exist. Religious freedom is one of our most fundamental rights as Americans—and it’s not under attack.

“In the law itself it lists no specific example where the religious right that they are actually trying to protect has actually been in danger. No specific examples where it’s actually happened. So it’s a law that’s being put into place around a mythology about something possible rather than based on any evidence that it’s needed.”

That’s why, as a person of faith, Rev. Trimble sees it as her duty to help defeat this dangerous attack on freedom and fairness in Georgia.

“This law has been known as ‘turn the gays away’ law. Somehow I can’t see Jesus supporting that, and it isn’t in alignment with the faith that most Americans hold. The story that I know to be true of God and the person of Jesus is a person and a God that is grounded in radical inclusion and generous hospitality.”

Thankfully, Trimble notes that there has been great movement towards growing acceptance in Georgia and nationwide, and hopes that one day we will live in a state and a country where no one should have to live in fear for being who they are. Defeating the so-called RFRA bill this year is the clear first step.

“I think we are moving past LGBT equality being an issue to it now being about people, and increasingly as more people come out, more people are coming to understand that we’re just like everyone else. It’s moved from being an issue to being about real people and real lives who have real feelings and giving testimony to the power of love in all its forms.”

But legislation like the proposed RFRA bill, will take us back, by allowing individuals and businesses the right to discriminate in the name of religious freedom.

“Religious freedom is one of our nation’s core values but this legislation actually endangers and hurts and potentially causes harm to millions of people across the country, and religious freedom does not give us the right to cause harm to a group of people.”

David Bachman is a bona fide Republican, and he has the credentials to prove it. Born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia, David has been involved in Republican politics since he was young, organizing young Republican groups in both high school and college and has worked tirelessly to get young conservatives to support GOP candidates.

He campaigned for President George W. Bush in high school, was on the Students for McCain Steering Committee during college and later served as Saxby Chambliss’ County Coordinator. Now a small business owner of a growing handcrafted necktie company, David continues to stay engaged by attending monthly Atlanta Young Republican meetings, in order to make his voice heard.

But one thing David can’t get behind is a small but vocal minority in his party who are trying to advance the so-called Religious Freedom Restoration Act in Georgia, a bill that could open the door to discrimination against gay and transgender people.

For David, who is gay, this dangerous bill goes against the conservative, principled Republican Party he is proud to support—and he’s certain it deters some Independents who might otherwise be receptive to conservative ideals.

“There are so many people out there who support job growth, lower taxes, more personal responsibility and individual freedom—and I think equal rights falls under that category. And so when young people especially hear these politicians deny their family and friends, they are immediately turned off and look the other way.”

But this bill—and the lack of protections for gay and transgender people under Georgia state law—isn’t just anti-conservative values, David argues it’s downright un-American.

“All people should have the same rights and receive the same service as any other person. I don’t think one person should be denied the same service that would be provided to someone else on the basis of their sexual orientation or gender identity. And no one should have the right to simply ignore any law they deem contrary to their religious beliefs. RFRA would create a hostile, negative atmosphere in Georgia and I don’t think it’s necessary.”

“These people are taxpayers. They are loving, law-abiding citizens and they deserve the same rights as everyone else.”

For David, this bill hits close to home because as a gay man and small business owner, it could impact his life and the lives of the people he cares about.

“It affects my life, it affects my close friends, and this is where I grew up and I’m passionate about my home state and home city. I don’t want two people to come along and put a stain on it. They are putting a bad taste in the Georgia community’s mouth and even individuals who live here by forcing this failed legislation again. Even as a Christian, it’s quite absurd that they’re hiding behind religion to disguise the bill. That’s what they’re doing. They’re disguising it.”

And that’s not all. If this bill is passed into law, it could put a burden on small business owners like David, who would struggle to recruit top talent, as many qualified workers may have concerns over relocating because of Georgia’s discriminatory laws.

“If I was to expand my business, which I definitely plan on doing, and lets say I have qualified candidates who might see my job posting but say .. ‘Oh not Georgia, they’re not accepting of gay or transgender people.’ That’s a terrible message to send. And it accomplished nothing.”

He continues, “America in my eyes, is one of the greatest places on earth. I had an idea, a hobby and I went out and I started a business. I walked into Atlanta City Hall, I paid my fees for a business license. I paid taxes. It’s amazing that you can do whatever you want, wherever you want and however you want.”

All Americans who are hardworking should have the opportunity to pursue the American dream. And just like everyone else, gay and transgender Americans work hard to earn a decent living and provide for their families.

However, if this bill is passed into law, when people who are gay or transgender walk into a government office to start a business, they could have to worry that they could be turned away and denied paper work simply because of who they are or who they love.

We want our state to be a place that welcomes all people who want to work hard and help grow our economy. That’s why as a conservative, David just can’t understand why some in the Georgia General Assembly continue to push this bill even though it has been flat-out opposed by the business community and continues to harm Georgia’s reputation.

“The bill was dead upon arrival when they proposed this bill last session because every major Georgia corporation came out against it and said, ‘Absolutely not, this is bad for business and it’s bad for our state.’ Delta Airlines came out against it, Coca-Cola came out against it, Home Depot said no, the Georgia Chamber of Commerce… It’s quite baffling they would introduce the same legislation in back-to-back sessions that has been firmly unaccepted by the business community in Georgia.”

David makes an impassioned plea to Georgia legislators to focus on more pressing issues facing our state, rather than seeking to divide and harm real Georgia citizens.

“Why don’t they focus on something that is going to create jobs in Georgia? Something that’s going to improve transportation and infrastructure in Georgia? This bill is divisive and unneeded—and they need to drop it.”

David is just one of a growing movement of young conservatives who oppose any legislation that could allow for discrimination against gay and transgender Georgians. If you are a young conservative opposed to the so-called Religious Freedom Restoration Act, click here to join Georgia Young Republicans Unite Against Discrimination today.

On Monday, Representative Teasley will formally introduce HB 218, new language for the so-called Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA)—a bill that could give individuals and businesses a “license to discriminate” against LGBT Georgians under the guise of religious freedom.

There’s no doubt about it: Introduction of this broad and misguided bill is disappointing. And despite promises from the sponsors to address particularly troubling aspects of the bill, the version of the bill explicitly paves the way for widespread discrimination in Georgia.

Tell your legislators: Oppose this discriminatory bill! Click here to ask your state lawmakers to oppose RFRA today.

Last week, a coalition of Baptist clergy spoke out against RFRA at the State Capitol, affirming that this bill does nothing to protect religious liberty—and instead “should be called the religious discrimination bill.”

We couldn’t agree more. Simply put: there is nothing to gain—and a LOT to lose—if this mean-spirited bill advances. RFRA is bad for families, bad for our economy and a serious threat to the future growth of our state.

It’s time for our elected officials to hear us loud and clear: Georgians do not stand for discrimination. Click here to contact your legislators now and tell them to oppose this “license to discriminate” bill.

Last year, a bipartisan coalition of businesses, leaders, and LGBT groups defeated similar harmful legislation—and with your help, we’ll stop it this year too.

Born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia, Cas Carr works as a networks consultant and lives with his husband Jerome of three and a half years.

But while Cas loves his hometown, he’s grown increasingly concerned with new proposed legislation that seeks to put an individual or businesses’ religious beliefs above the common good.

“I’m opposed to this bill, I’m not supporting it in any shape, form or fashion,” states Cas matter-of-factly.

The proposed legislation is the so-called Religious Freedom Restoration Act or RFRA, which if passed, could allow an individual and businesses to use their religious beliefs as a justification to discriminate against people. As a black gay man, this is of particular concern to Cas who knows all too well that this bill could be used and abused to violate our most basic, fundamental rights.

“What it does is it takes away from a lot of human rights and it could be used to discriminate. We should all have the right to choose what we believe, that’s why we have the bill of rights. But having that bill in place, it takes some of those rights away.”

Cas, who is a man of faith and grew up in the Baptist tradition, holds sacred that faith is something from within, and that no one should force their religious views on another, especially in the workplace.

“When it comes to religion, religion is an individual belief. I can only speak in terms of myself and what I want for me, but I don’t think that this bill should dictate my future or my faith.”

Beyond that, Cas argues that Georgians should be judged on their ability to do their jobs—not on who they are or whom they love.

“I don’t feel that it’s fair across the board because if you have a qualified individual that applies for a job, for someone to say ‘oh you’re gay, you can’t have that job,’ that person could have all of the talent in the world, but based on their sexual orientation, they are discriminated against. I don’t think that’s fair.”

Cas adds, “My personal life is just that, it’s my personal life. And as long as I’m not affecting anyone around me, I say live and let live.”

And so long as state law fails to protect gay and transgender Georgians from discrimination in the workplace and in housing, Cas worries that the RFRA bill would only subject LGBT people to heightened levels of discrimination.

“If the bill is passed, things are going to be limited, you’re going to be scrutinized, subject to ridicule, ostracized, cast out.”

And it won’t just be the LGBT community who will be harmed by this legislation. Cas argues the economy overall will be impacted negatively as such discriminatory legislation would tarnish Georgia’s brand as a fair and welcoming place to do business.

“From an economic perspective, there’s a lot of money from the LGBT community. If something like that happened here, you think in terms of relocation, people trying to find jobs elsewhere. So of course it would be a major hit on the economy.”

But there’s no reason to oppose this harmful and dangerous piece of legislation more compelling than the fact that it will erode our most fundamental right of all—that as Georgians, we all should treat our neighbors as we would like to be treated.

“I wouldn’t feel like I had equal rights as a citizen… If this bill passes, I feel that a lot of freedoms would be given up. We’ve come so far, at the same time this bill would be a major step backwards for society.”

It’s time for AT&T to raise the bar.

In states across the country, the nation’s second largest telecommunications provider has spoken out forcefully against discrimination towards the LGBT community. But in Georgia, as anti-LGBT forces are mobilizing to push through a law that will open the floodgates to discrimination, AT&T has stayed unusually silent.

Why?

Already, Georgia Equality has put the pressure on AT&T to join businesses across the state—including Delta Airlines and Marriott Hotels—who have spoken out against this “license to discriminate” bill. Now AT&T needs to hear from you.

Click here to tell AT&T to publicly oppose the so-called Religious Freedom Restoration Act—a bill that could allow individuals and businesses to use their religious beliefs as a justification to discriminate.

I can’t stress enough how dire the consequences will be if this bill passes into law.

As the bill stands now, it could allow individuals to use their religion as an excuse to ignore municipal laws including nondiscrimination laws, domestic violence laws and child abuse laws, in the name of religious freedom.

With an overwhelming, bipartisan majority of Georgians opposed to this bill, it’s time for AT&T to take a stand now. Click here to email AT&T’s Ralph de La Vega calling on AT&T to take a stand against discrimination.

The pressure is mounting on AT&T to stand on the right side of history. You can make an impact by making your voice heard now.

Atlanta – In a letter to Governor Nathan Deal and legislative leaders, sixteen legal scholars from around the country agree that a religious focused bill, House Bill 29, “will invite and legitimate discrimination.” The signatories of this letter, including two from Emory University and one from Mercer University, are legal experts in matters of religious freedom, civil rights, and the interaction between those fields.

The letter – Preventing Government Overreach on Religious Expression Act – states that the bill, if enacted, “will send a powerful message that religiously-based refusals to provide equal treatment to particular classes of employees, customers, and persons seeking public service are legally superior to any legal prohibitions on discrimination.”

In addition to Governor Deal, the letter was sent to Lieutenant Gasey Cagle, Senate President David Shafer, House Speaker David Ralston, Senator Josh McKoon, and sponsor of HB 29, Representative Sam Teasley. (The letter is posted at www.GAUnites.org.)

“This letter confirms what I and many others have been saying. Simply put, this bill will allow discrimination in Georgia. It will not only harm gay and transgender people, but it will also open the door for really bad unintended consequences for people in our state. Under this proposal, individuals could claim that any number of laws don’t apply to them, resulting in special treatment,” said Jeff Graham, Executive Director of Georgia Equality and spokesperson for Georgia Unites Against Discrimination, a campaign committed to protecting gay and transgender Georgians from discrimination.

Last year, similar legislation was stopped in committee, in large part, due to the active opposition from leaders in the business community, like Delta Airlines and Coca-Cola. The Georgia Chamber of Commerce has once again stated that it opposes any bill that would allow discrimination. Many business leaders are concerned that this proposed law will badly damage the business reputation of the state and jeopardize Georgia’s ability to grow its economy and negatively impact its reputation as a leader in global commerce.

The legal scholars urge the bill be amended to exclude all for-profit business entities, including corporations, from coverage as “persons” protected by the Bill. They also urge the inclusion of a provision that the Bill does not apply to any laws – federal, state or local – that prohibit invidious discrimination by public officials, employers, business owners, and those involved in the sale or rental of residential housing.

In regard to the timing of these bills coming up now in Georgia and various state legislatures, the letters says that it is impossible to deny the connection between the looming constitutional decision on marriage equality.

Indeed, the scholars noted real consequences of HB 29. “Some business owners, or other persons, might object to intimate same-sex relationships, marriage or otherwise; other business owners might object to inter-racial or inter-faith marriages; still others might have religious objections to out of wedlock pregnancy or unmarried parenthood . .”

Finally, the letter unequivocally states: “HB 29 is unnecessary to protect freedom of belief and worship in Georgia. The state constitution already protects each person’s natural and inalienable right to worship God, each according to the dictates of that person’s own conscience.”

“HB 29 would permit the religious beliefs of some Georgians to deprive others of their equal rights to participate in the state’s economic and social life. In its current form, we strongly urge you to reject it.”

Graham is hopeful that the bill will be defeated because most Georgians support basic values of fairness and freedom.

“One of our most important values is treating others the way we want to be treated, and creating new laws that go against that principle hurts us all,” said Graham.

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