Atlanta – Rep. Rich Golick (R-Smyrna) introduced HB 849 yesterday, a bill which would establish nondiscrimination protections across Georgia’s public accommodations. The bill, which has bipartisan support, does not include protections based on sexual orientation or gender identity; but Rep. Golick has said he wants to expand the bill to be as inclusive as possible.

Jeff Graham released the following statement through Georgia Unites:

“We’ve been working for several years now to build support for non-discrimination protections that extend to all Georgians, including those who are gay and transgender. Over the past year in particular, the broad support for that type of legislation has become increasingly clear – among conservatives, businesses, people of faith and many others.

“Rep. Golick has explicitly said that he would like to expand the classes covered by his current bill, so that the protections it offers are as inclusive as possible. This is a step in the right direction. We look forward to having discussions with Rep. Golick and other lawmakers, on both sides of the aisle, about how we can craft legislation that protects all Georgians from discrimination.”