A religious freedom bill that says pastors cannot be forced to preside over same-sex marriages, and can hire or fire employees on the basis of their religious beliefs was passed by the Georgia General Assembly on March 16. The bill, which is being criticized by opponents as too discriminatory, now moves to the state's Republican governor Nathan Deal.
The "Free Exercise Protection Act" also dubbed as 'Religious Liberty Bill,' has to be signed by Deal to be made into a law. The governor had earlier said that he will not be signing any bill that could be interpreted as discriminatory.
The bill made into the assembly after over two years of lobbying by Georgia Baptist Convention.
The religious liberty bill was amended several times on the floor,
The "Free Exercise Protection Act" also dubbed as 'Religious Liberty Bill,' has to be signed by Deal to be made into a law. The governor had earlier said that he will not be signing any bill that could be interpreted as discriminatory.
The bill made into the assembly after over two years of lobbying by Georgia Baptist Convention.
The religious liberty bill was amended several times on the floor,