Clergy decry ‘First Amendment Defense Act’ at GA state capitol
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 23, 2016
Contact: Graham Younger, 678-739-8584, gyounger@faithinpubliclife.org
PRESS CONFERENCE: Following senate vote, clergy decry FADA
Georgia clergy speak up for business and for their faith, calling legislature to reject First Amendment Defense Act
Atlanta, GA – On Wednesday, February 24th at 11:00 AM, a group of prominent Georgia clergy will gather at the State Capitol to speak out against the overly broad, discriminatory “First Amendment Defense Act” (FADA) that just passed the Georgia senate.
Immediately following the senate vote, there was an outcry from the business community, with several groups saying they will have no choice but to leave the state if the bill becomes law. This reaction echoes the reaction in Indiana that cost the state more than $60 million.
FADA is one of several religious exemption bills in the legislature. Our speakers are disappointed that these bills are attempting to create a divide. Even our Lt. Gov., speaking on a religious freedom bill that passed, declared it a victory over “radical atheist groups.” This kind of rhetoric comes from only some of the religious community, and does not speak for these clergy.
More than 286 clergy have joined these businesses in publicly speaking out against dangerous religions exemption bills in 2015 and 2016.
WHAT: Press conference
WHO:
Rabbi Joshua Heller, Congregation B’nai Torah
Rev. Timothy McDonald, III, First Iconium Baptist Church
Nan Orrock, Senator, 36th District
WHERE: Coverdell Legislative Office Building, Room 203, 18 Capitol Square, Atlanta, GA 30334
WHEN: Wednesday, February 24th, 11:00 AM
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