Breaking: Anti-Gay ‘Religious Freedom’ Bill Blocked – For Now – By Georgia Committee
In a stunning move, a Georgia anti-gay “religious freedom” bill similar to one just signed into law in Indiana just died in committee – for now. What’s next?
Lawmakers in the Georgia House Judiciary Committee just voted to “table,” or drop, an anti-gay “religious freedom” bill. The legislation, one of an increasingly popular kind know as Religious Freedom Restoration Acts (RFRA), would have allowed anyone to discriminate against anyone else, merely by citing their sincerely held religious beliefs.
The bill had already passed the Senate, under the authorship of Republican State Senator Josh McKoon (photo), and yesterday passed a House subcommittee.
It was widely expected to pass through the committee today, but Republican Rep. Mike Jacobs offered an amendment that required the bill to state its purpose is not to discriminate or “gut” civil rights protections.
HUGE NEWS: Rep. Jacobs amendment to ensure #RFRA is not used to gut civil rights protections passes! #GAPol #lgbt #SB129
— Georgia Unites (@GeorgiaUnites) March 26, 2015
That amendment passed, causing supports to vote against moving forward with the bill in its current form.Â
Motion to table the bill. #RFRA is not dead—but we just took a huge step towards stopping this harmful legislation. #GAPol #lgbt
— Georgia Unites (@GeorgiaUnites) March 26, 2015
While the legislation is not dead, and can be resurrected, it is an important defeat, and an important win for equality supporters.
The Georgia Voice reports “the bill’s future is in seroius jeopardy as the days left in this year’s legislative session dwindle.”
Meanwhile, Â lawmakers in Indiana are under fire after passing another RFRA. Governor Mike Pence signed the bill this morning, causing an uproar.
For more on that story, see these articles from earlier today:
George Takei Calls For A Boycott Of Indiana
Breaking: Indiana Governor Mike Pence Has Signed ‘Religious Freedom’ Bill Into Law
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Editor’s note: An early version of this article incorrectly identified Rep. Jacob’s political party. He is a Republican.
Image via YouTube

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