Anti-LGBT Republican Sen. Greg Kirk has introduced new legislation in the Georgia State Senate that would enable discrimination against same-sex couples. The so-called First Amendment Defense Act of Georgia would go far beyond protecting the right to practice one’s religion – already firmly established in the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution – and would promote state taxpayer-funded discrimination against same-sex couples and their families in Georgia.
The dangerous legislation goes far beyond protecting the right of free exercise of one’s religion. While falsely framed as prohibiting the state government from making funding or tax status decisions based on an organization’s views on marriage that are driven by religious belief, in reality it threatens to create a breakdown of state government services, opening the door to discrimination against same-sex couples, their families, and those who love them. With salaries paid for by Georgia taxpayers, state employees would be enabled to refuse to fully perform their duties if they claim they conflict with their objection to marriage equality. It is important to note that no religious organization or clergy is required to sanction or perform same-sex marriage under any federal or state law.
In a statement Georgia Equality Executive Director Jeff Graham said, “Sen. Kirk’s legislation flouts the rule of law, and I believe all Georgians understand how important it is that we acknowledge and follow the laws that govern our society. This legislation sets a dangerous precedent – we can’t pick and choose which laws we want to follow based on our personal beliefs. Government officials can’t deny services to legally married couples simply because they don’t approve of their marriage.
“This bill not only exposes married same-sex couples and their children in Georgia to harm, but it risks imperiling our state’s economy. The Metro Atlanta Chamber warned last month that bills opening up gay and transgender people to discrimination could harm our state’s economy by $1 billion dollars. And just today, a new report out of Indiana illustrated the damage done to the state’s reputation following the enactment of an overly broad exemptions bill there last year.
“This isn’t a bill that Georgia needs right now – it’s bad for our families and it’s bad for our businesses. It’s time for us to talk about how we can respect and protect all Georgians – including both people of faith and gay and transgender people.”
“Freedom of religion is important. That’s why it is already fully protected under the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution,” said HRC Legal Director Sarah Warbelow.“Fair-minded Georgians must not be fooled by Rep. Kirk’s despicable attempt to mask discrimination against LGBT Georgians and their families with religious freedom. This reckless legislation would have dangerous and far reaching consequences by allowing state government officials to discriminate against same-sex couples and their families.”
