GA Clergy Decry Passage of Discriminatory ‘Religious Freedom’ Bill, Call for Veto

For Immediate Release

March 16, 2016

​

Contact:

Michelle Nealy, (202)735-7123, mnealy@faithinpubliclife.org

Graham Younger, 678-739-8584, gyounger@faithinpubliclife.org

​

GA Clergy Decry Passage of Discriminatory ‘Religious Freedom’ Bill, Call for Veto

​

Atlanta, GA — Faith leaders are deeply disappointed by the passage of HB 757 and are strongly urging Gov. Nathan Deal to veto the bill. The amended bill is even worse than what previously passed the Senate and the House as it allows faith-based organizations to discriminate in hiring on the basis of religion. Over 300 clergy from across the state stand in firm opposition against the overly broad, discriminatory bill. Many of these join the call for comprehensive civil rights legislation to protect all Georgians from discrimination.

In recent public remarks, Gov. Deal denounced the type of sweeping religious exemptions found in HB 757. Faith leaders hope that the governor will move in the direction of inclusion and tolerance, disavowing legislation that allows for discrimination of members of the LGBT community.

​

From Rabbi Peter S. Berg, The Temple:

“As a person of faith, I stand firmly against this egregiously discriminatory bill because it compromises who we are as Georgians and as Americans. My faith teaches me that we are to treat others fairly, as we would wish to be treated ourselves. My faith is protected by the First Amendment. I am urging Gov. Deal to veto this bill and demonstrate that Georgia does not sanction discrimination.”

###