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.

That amendment passed, causing supports to vote against moving forward with the bill in its current form. 

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,  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

$4 Billion Corp. To Indiana: We Warned You About RFRA, Now We’re ‘Forced To Dramatically Reduce Our Investment’

Breaking: Indiana Governor Mike Pence Has Signed ‘Religious Freedom’ Bill Into Law

 

Editor’s note: An early version of this article incorrectly identified Rep. Jacob’s political party. He is a Republican.

Image via YouTube