NFL on 'Religious Freedom' Bill: Georgia's Super Bowl Chances Endangered

ATLANTA — Political leaders in the thick of economic development negotiations and CEOs and business leaders looking at Georgia for expansion have warned about the consequences of a "religious freedom" bill on Gov. Nathan Deal's desk.

The biggest signal of the bill's impact on business in Georgia may have just dropped: the NFL warns the bill would endanger Atlanta's hopes of every hosting the Super Bowl again.

The bill approved in the Georgia Statehouse, HB 757, would allow faith-based groups to refuse services or terminate employees based on sexual orientation.

Georgia's lucrative filming industry and growing tech firms have already said it will impact future growth in the state. On Friday, the NFL said state laws violating the league's anti-discrimination policies are factored into selecting host sites.

The statement from the NFL, following questions by AJC:

“NFL policies emphasize tolerance and inclusiveness, and prohibit discrimination based on age, gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, or any other improper standard. Whether the laws and regulations of a state and local community are consistent with these policies would be one of many factors NFL owners may use to evaluate potential Super Bowl host sites.”

Falcons owner Arthur Blank is standing against the bill:

“One of my bedrock values is ‘Include Everyone’ and it’s a principle we embrace and strive to live each and every day with my family and our associates, a vast majority of which live and work in Georgia. I strongly believe a diverse, inclusive and welcoming Georgia is critical to our citizens and the millions of visitors coming to enjoy all that our great state has to offer. House Bill 757 undermines these principles and would have long-lasting negative impact on our state and the people of Georgia.”

Other sports organizations also weighed in. A statement from the Atlanta Braves noted, "We are proud to represent Georgia and are opposed to any law that endorses discrimination against anyone.”

Gov. Nathan Deal told the press he'd make “make the difficult decision on a very difficult subject." But he told WSB2 that he was "pleasantly surprised" by the compromises made in the legislation.

Photo: PROMobilus In Mobili, Flickr