Coca-Cola, the worldwide billion-dollar company based in Atlanta, Georgia and ranking as one of the world’s most valuable brands, made a public statement against the proposed Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) in Georgia.
The statement reads: “Coca-Cola does not support any legislation that discriminates, in our home state of Georgia or anywhere else. Coca-Cola values and celebrates diversity. We believe policies that would allow a business to refuse service to an individual based upon discrimination of any kind, does not only violate our Company’s core values, but would also negatively affect our consumers, customers, suppliers, bottling partners and associates. As a business, it is appropriate for us to help foster diversity, unity and respect among all people.
“We advocate for inclusion, equality and diversity through both our policies and practices. Coca-Cola does not condone intolerance or discrimination of any kind anywhere in the world.”
This statement comes in the wake of the colossal backfire that occurred in Indiana when Governor Mike Pence signed into law a similar RFRA bill on March 26. Organizations and companies from across the state publicly condemned the bill, recognizing that it gives individuals and businesses a license to discriminate against the LGBT community under the guise of religion.
Because of the bill’s public shaming, Governor Pence reconfigured the bill so that it will not permit discrimination against gay and transgender Hoosiers, marking a historic victory for equality.
The RFRA bill in Georgia is currently sitting in the General Assembly, which adjourns tonight at midnight.
Coca-Cola is not the only organization speaking out against the bill—The Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, MailChimp and Marriott have all publicly opposed the bill, along with individuals including Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed, Elton John and Desperate Housewives creator Marc Cherry.
There is still time to contact your legislator opposing this bill, but time is quickly running out.
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